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TOUCH SCREEN Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
The Counselors’
To Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities
paying
for
College
profiles of
c
olleges &
universities
G
etting
R
eady
for College
Choosing
The right
c
ourses
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2011-122011-12
This guide is a project of Oklahoma higher education, produced in coordination with the Communicators Council. Published by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education – September 2011.
ALERT:
This publication was formerly known as The Official Guide to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities.
The Counselors’
To Oklahoma’s Colleges and UniversitiesThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12II
Front row, leftft to right:
Assistant Secretary Mike C. Turpen, Oklahoma City;
Vice Chair Marlin “Ike” Glass, Newkirk; Chair Julie K. Carson, Claremore;
Chancellor Glen D. Johnson; Secretary James D. “Jimmy” Harrel, Leedey
Back row, left to right:
Ronald H. White, M.D., Oklahoma City; Joseph L. Parker Jr., Tulsa;
William Stuart Price, Tulsa; Gen. Toney Stricklin, Lawton; John Massey, Durant
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication, printed by Digital Graphics, is issued by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, as authorized by 70 O.S. 2001, Section 3206. 1,250 copies have been printed at a cost of approximately $6,726. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. This publication was produced in September 2011.
O
klahoma StState Regents
For Higher EducationThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12III
t
able of contents
G
eneral Information
College Is Closer Than You Think.....................................1
Getting Ready for College..................................................3
College Speak.....................................................................5
G
etttting Into College
Starting Early.....................................................................11
Cooperative Alliance.........................................................11
What It Takes....................................................................12
Choosing the Right Courses..............................................14
Transferring.......................................................................14
Accreditation......................................................................14
Paying for College
What It Costs....................................................................15
Money for College.............................................................17
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program (OTAG)................17
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG)................18
Oklahoma’s Promise - OHLAP.........................................18
Academic Scholars Program.............................................19
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship...............20
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program..................20
Future Teachers Scholarship Program...............................21
George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship........21
Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program...............22
Heroes Promise.................................................................22
Tuition Waivers.................................................................23
National Guard Tuition Waiver.........................................23
Independent Living Act (Foster Care Tuition Waiver).....24
Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program..........24
SREB Academic Common Market...................................25
Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers............26
Federal Financial Aid Programs.......................................26
Oklahoma College Savings Plan.......................................27
Federal Hope (American Opportunity) and
Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.........................................28
I
nternational StStudents
Why Study in Oklahoma..................................................29
Admission Requirements..................................................29
English Language Requirements......................................29
Accreditation.....................................................................29
Housing Information.........................................................29
International Student Services..........................................29
Costs..................................................................................30
Oklahoma Weather...........................................................30
Transportation...................................................................30
Map of the Contiguous United States...............................30
Oklahoma History..............................................................31
Oklahoma Culture.............................................................31
Student Populations..........................................................32
resources
Calendar of Counselor Mailings.......................................33
Contact Information..........................................................33
College Prep 101...............................................................34
EPAS Quick Glance..........................................................35
EXPLORE/PLAN Teacher Data Training Workshops....36
College Day/Night Programs Master Calendar................37
OCAP Resources..............................................................39
Social Media Resources....................................................40
Helpful Websites................................................................41
OKcOKc
ol
legestart.org
www.OKcollegestart.org...................................................43
Public Colleges, Universities, Technical Branches, Higher Education Centers and Learning Sites
Ardmore Higher Education Center...................................45
Cameron University..........................................................47
Carl Albert State College..................................................49
Connors State College........................................................51
Downtown College Consortium.........................................53
East Central University.....................................................55
Eastern Oklahoma State College......................................57
Langston University..........................................................59
Murray State College.........................................................61
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College............................63
Northeastern State University...........................................65
Northern Oklahoma College.............................................67
Northwestern Oklahoma State University........................69
Oklahoma City Community College.................................71
Oklahoma Panhandle State University.............................73
Oklahoma State University................................................75
OSU Institute of Technology, Okmulgee..........................77
OSU-Oklahoma City........................................................79
OSU-Tulsa..........................................................................81
Redlands Community College..........................................83
Rogers State University.....................................................85
Rose State College............................................................87
Seminole State College.....................................................89
Southeastern Oklahoma State University..........................91
Southwestern Oklahoma State University........................93
Tulsa Community College................................................95
University Center at Ponca City........................................97
University of Central Oklahoma.......................................99
University of Oklahoma...................................................101
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma..................103
Western Oklahoma State College....................................105
I
ndependent Institutions
Bacone College................................................................107
Mid-America Christian University.................................109
Oklahoma Baptist University...........................................111
Oklahoma Christian University.......................................113
Oklahoma City University...............................................115
Oklahoma Wesleyan University.......................................117
Oral Roberts University...................................................119
Southern Nazarene University.........................................121
Southwestern Christian University.................................123
St. Gregory’s University..................................................125
The University of Tulsa...................................................127 The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12IV
counselorinfo@osrhe.edu
c
ollege questions answered promptly
Photo courtesy of East Central University.
have aThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
GENERAL INFORMATION
College Is Closer Than You Think..........................1
Getting Ready for College...................................3
College Speak...................................................5
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
general
The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12 1
college is closer than you think
1. Ardmore Higher Education Center, Ardmore
www.ahec.osrhe.edu | 580.223.1441
2. Cameron University, Lawton
www.cameron.edu | 800.454.7600
3. Cameron University, Duncan
www.cameron.edu/duncan | 877.282.3626
4. Carl Albert State College, Poteau
www.carlalbert.edu | 918.647.1200
5. Carl Albert State College, Sallisaw
www.carlalbert.edu/sallisaw | 918.775.6977
6. Connors State College, Warner
www.connorsstate.edu | 918.463.2931
7. Connors State College, Muskogee
www.connorsstate.edu | 918.687.6747
8. Downtown College Consortium, Oklahoma City
www.downtowncollege.com | 405.232.3382
9. East Central University, Ada
www.ecok.edu | 580.332.8000
10. Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton
www.eosc.edu | 918.465.2361
11. Eastern Oklahoma State College, McAlester
www.eosc.edu/mcalester | 918.426.5272
12. Langston University, Langston
www.langston.edu | 877.466.2231
13. Langston University - Oklahoma City
www.langston.edu/lu-oklahoma_city.aspx | 405.962.1620
14. Langston University - Tulsa
www.langston.edu/lu-tulsa.aspx | 918.877.8100
15. Murray State College, Tishomingo
www.mscok.edu | 800.342.0698
16. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Miami
www.neo.edu | 888.464.6636
17. Northeastern State University, Tahlequah
www.nsuok.edu | 800.722.9614
18. Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow
www.nsuba.edu | 918.449.6000
19. Northeastern State University, Muskogee
www.nsuok.edu/muskogee | 918.683.0040
20. Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa
www.north-ok.edu | 580.628.6200
21. Northern Oklahoma College, Enid
www.north-ok.edu | 580.242.6300
22. Northern Oklahoma College, Stillwater
www.north-ok.edu | 405.744.2246
23. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva
www.nwosu.edu | 580.327.1700
24. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Enid
www.nwosu.edu/Enid | 580.237.0334
25. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Woodward
www.nwosu.edu/Woodward | 580.256.0047
26. Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City
www.occc.edu | 405.682.1611
27. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell
www.opsu.edu | 800.664.6778
28. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
www.okstate.edu | 800.233.5019
Oklahoma Public Colleges, Universities, Technical Branches,
Higher Education Centers and Learning Sites
The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-122
29. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
www.healthsciences.okstate.edu | 800.677.1972
30. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee
www.osuit.edu | 800.722.4471
31. Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
www.osuokc.edu | 800.560.4099
32. Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu | 800.364.0710
33. Redlands Community College, El Reno
www.redlandscc.edu | 866.415.6367
34. Rogers State University, Claremore
www.rsu.edu | 800.256.7511
35. Rogers State University, Bartlesville
www.rsu.edu/bartlesville | 800.256.7511
36. Rogers State University, Pryor
www.rsu.edu/pryor | 918.825.6117
37. Rose State College, Midwest City
www.rose.edu | 866.621.0987
38. Seminole State College, Seminole
www.sscok.edu | 405.382.9950
39. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant
www.se.edu | 800.435.1327
40. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Idabel
www.se.edu/mccurtain | 888.286.9431
41. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford
www.swosu.edu | 580.772.6611
42. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Sayre
www.swosu.edu/sayre | 580.928.5533
43. Tulsa Community College, Tulsa
www.tulsacc.edu | 918.595.7000
44. University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
www.uco.edu | 405.974.2000
45. University Center at Ponca City
www.ucponcacity.com | 580.762.2856
46. University of Oklahoma, Norman
www.ou.edu | 800.234.6868
47. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
www.ouhsc.edu | 877.577.5655
48. University of Oklahoma – Tulsa
http://tulsa.ou.edu | 918.660.3000
49. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma*
www.usao.edu | 800.933.8726
50. Western Oklahoma State College, Altus
www.wosc.edu | 580.477.2000
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
(Main Campuses)
51. Bacone College, Muskogee
www.bacone.edu | 888.682.5514
52. Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City
www.macu.edu | 888.436.3035
53. Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee
www.okbu.edu | 800.654.3285
54. Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City
www.oc.edu | 800.877.5010
55. Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
www.okcu.edu | 800.633.7242
56. Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville
www.okwu.edu | 800.468.6292
57. Oral Roberts University, Tulsa
www.oru.edu | 800.678.8876
58. Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa
www.ptstulsa.edu | 918.610.8303
59. Southern Nazarene University, Bethany
www.snu.edu | 800.648.9899
60. Southwestern Christian University, Bethany
www.swcu.edu | 888.418.9272
61. St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee
www.stgregorys.edu | 888.784.7347
62. The University of Tulsa, Tulsa
www.utulsa.edu | 800.331.3050
*Oklahoma’s Public Liberal Arts UniversityThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-123
Cooperative Alliance
Allows eligible high school juniors and seniors and adults to earn college credit toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree or a technical college certificate for some courses taught at technology centers statewide. See the Getting Into College section for more information.
Course Transfer
The State Regents provide a course transfer matrix that outlines the 7,500 courses that will transfer among Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities (as well as some private institutions). The information is searchable by year, institution and academic discipline, such as biology or history. For more information, call the Student Transfer Hotline at 800.858.1840 or visit www.okcoursetransfer.org.
G
aining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
Administered by the State Regents, this federally funded program is designed to better prepare middle and high school students for college through academic preparation programs and scholarships for students, professional development activities for educators, and college access information for students and parents. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9191 in Oklahoma City or visit www.okhighered.org/gearup.
L
eadership Education and AcAchievement Program (LEAP)
LEAP, a yearlong course, provides eighth- and ninth-grade-level students the knowledge and skills with which to make education, career and life plans, and facilitates an understanding of the long-term consequences of the choices they make today. LEAP uses a research-based curriculum with a goal of increasing school retention and the success rate of students. LEAP is offered by the Minority Teacher Recruitment Center. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9198 in Oklahoma City or visit the MTRC website at www.okhighered.org/mtrc.
O
klahoma College Savings Plan
To help families save for college, Oklahoma has created a savings program that offers tax advantages and a low start-up investment of $100 and contributions as small as $15 per investment option per pay period through payroll deduction. Funds can be withdrawn as needed and used for college expenses at nearly all colleges and universities in the United States. For more information, call 877.654.7284 or visit www.ok4saving.org.
College is an investment in your future that you SHOULD be planning for now. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers many FREE resources to help you and your family consider college options and plan for your future education needs. Many of the programs and resources are listed below. To get more information or a copy of the brochures, visit www.OKcollegestart.org, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC) or email your request to studentinfo@osrhe.edu.
Ac
ademic Commitment to Education (ACE)
A program targeted to those high school students who possess high academic and leadership standards. The ACE curriculum is designed as a “grow your own” teacher recruitment program that includes a teaching internship. However, those who do not become educators evolve into strong advocates for teachers and proponents for education. ACE is offered by the Minority Teacher Recruitment Center. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9198 in Oklahoma City or visit the MTRC website at www.okhighered.org/mtrc.
A
dvanced Placement Courses (AP)
Allow students to take college-level course work in high school and receive credit at Oklahoma colleges and universities. See the Getting Into College section for more information.
Concurrent Enrollment
Allows eligible junior and senior high school students to take credit-earning college courses. See the Getting Into College section for more information.
These will help
Photo courtesy of East Central University.
getting ready for collegeThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-124
O
klahoma Educational Planning and Assessment System (OK EPAS)
Tests students in the eighth (EXPLORE) and 10th grade (PLAN) to assess their progress in core academic courses, as well as career interests, and provides feedback to schools, students and parents. Participation in OK EPAS is voluntary and free to school districts and students. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9320 in Oklahoma City or visit www.okhighered.org/epas.
O
klahoma Money Matters (OKMM)
A financial education initiative of the State Regents and Oklahoma College Assistance Program, formerly known as the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program, OKMM offers information, resources and a variety of services to help students, adults and families successfully manage personal finances, understand consumer credit issues and navigate the financial aid process. For more information, call 800.970.OKMM or 234.4457 in Oklahoma City, or visit www.oklahomamoneymatters.org.
O
klahoma’s Promise (Oklahoma Higher
L
earning Access Program)
Awards scholarships to students whose families meet certain income requirements and who have demonstrated a commitment to academic preparation in high school. Students must sign up for the program in the eighth, ninth or 10th grade (home-schooled students must be age 13, 14 or 15). There are additional academic and financial requirements to keep the scholarship during college. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9152 in Oklahoma City or visit www.okpromise.org.
St
udent Information Hotline
Provides information on financial aid, admission requirements, placement scores and more. Call 800.858.1840 or 225.9239 in Oklahoma City or email studentinfo@osrhe.edu.
CHECK IT OUT
GEAR
UP Guides for Parents of 8th Graders, 9th-10th Graders and 11th-12th Graders
Includes information on the important role parents play in preparing their children for college, the economic benefits of obtaining a college degree, the high school courses required for college entry, admission standards, college costs and financial aid. In addition, the guides have a list of activities parents can do with their children to help them prepare for college. The grade-specific guides are provided to parents in the winter.
G
rant and Scholarship Programs Booklet
Grant and scholarship programs administered by the State Regents.
The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities
Provides a profile on each college and university in Oklahoma and includes information on preparing for college, college costs and financial aid. These books are provided to high school counselors in the late summer.
OKc
ollegestart.org
Provides information on admission requirements, financial aid, college costs and more for students, parents and counselors. Students can search by keywords and receive personalized results to compare colleges. Information is also available in Spanish. Visit the site at www.OKcollegestart.org. See the OKcollegestart.org section for more information.
O
klahoma’s Promise Flyer
Explains the requirements and benefits of Oklahoma’s Promise, which awards scholarships to students with financial need who have demonstrated a commitment to academic success in high school. Posters and application forms are also available. Materials are provided to counselors in late summer for distribution to eighth-, ninth- and 10th-grade students and are also available in Spanish.
O
klahoma’s Promise Toolkit
Oklahoma’s Promise is developing a toolkit to assist counselors in helping students succeed in the program. The toolkit will include templates and tips for communicating with students and their parents, along with best practices gathered from counselors across the state. Counselors, look for the toolkit in your mailbox later this year!
Preparing for College Brochures
Outlines the required courses students must take in high school to be admitted to an Oklahoma state college or university, admission standards, financial aid information and more. Brochures are provided to counselors in late summer for distribution to eighth- through 12th-grade students.
O
rdering publications
Publications are available for download on Oklahoma higher education’s website at www.okhighered.org. For more information or to order materials, call the State Regents’ toll-free hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email your request to studentinfo@osrhe.edu or write:
Education and Career Information Services Center
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-125
Ac
ademic Adviser
The person at a college or university who helps students decide what classes to take, what major to pursue, etc. An adviser is similar to a high school guidance counselor.
Ac
ademic Forgiveness
Ways for students to recover from academic problems without forever jeopardizing academic standing. Repeating courses, reprieving semesters and renewing all course work prior to a certain date are types of academic forgiveness provisions.
Ac
ademic Service Fees
Fees assessed students for certain courses of instruction or academic services in addition to tuition and mandatory fees. These services may include, but are not limited to, special instruction, testing, and obtaining laboratory supplies and materials.
Ac
ademic Term
The time duration of a course schedule, generally a fall or spring semester consisting of 16 weeks, a summer session consisting of four or eight weeks, or an intersession consisting of the weeks between a semester and/or session.
Acc
reditation
The process used by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education or other entities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure postsecondary education providers meet and maintain minimum standards of quality and integrity regarding academics, administration and related services.
A
dmission Requirements
Students wanting to attend an Oklahoma college or university must meet certain requirements, such as achieving a specified ACT or SAT score or combination of high school GPA and rank in class, taking specified high school courses, etc., to be considered for admission.
A
dvanced Placement Courses
Courses that allow students to take college-level course work in high school and receive credit at Oklahoma colleges and universities.
A
ssociate Degree
A degree given upon completion of two years of full-time study (at least 60 credit hours) or the equivalent. Most associate degrees are awarded by two-year colleges, although some four-year universities also offer associate degrees. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recognize three types of associate degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. Some associate degrees transfer to four-year universities (A.A., A.S.); others are for career preparation (A.A.S.).
A
ssociate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
Typically, a credential requiring two years of full-time equivalent college work (at least 60 credit hours) that emphasizes an occupational specialty and is designed to lead the individual directly to employment (typically does not transfer to universities).
Bachelor’s Degree
Also referred to as a baccalaureate degree. Given upon completion of four years of full-time study (at least 120 credit hours) or the equivalent. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recognize three types of bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of (Specialty).
Certificate
Recognition awarded for an organized program of study that does not lead to an academic degree.
Class Rank
Ranking of a student within a high school graduating class based upon his or her high school GPA.
College
A higher education institution that generally offers associate, or two-year, degrees but does not offer bachelor’s- or graduate-level programs.
c
ollege speak
Photo courtesy of Rogers State University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-126
College Catalog
An online or printed booklet published by an individual college or university to provide detailed descriptions of course and degree offerings, fees, academic policies and requirements for graduation.
Community College
Also known as a “two-year college,” a community college grants associate degrees for transfer to universities or for career preparation. Community colleges usually offer flexible class schedules with smaller class sizes. They are known as open-door institutions because performance standards (standardized test scores or combination of class rank and GPA) are not required for admission.
Commuter College
A college at which students live off campus and travel to campus for classes.
Concurrent Enrollment
A program that allows eligible high school students (juniors and seniors) to take credit-earning college courses.
Cooperative Alliance
A formal State Regents-approved agreement between a state higher education institution and a state technology center to offer courses leading to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or a technical college certificate for some courses taught at technology centers statewide. A.A.S. degree programs may or may not apply to a bachelor’s degree. College credit is awarded only by the higher education institution.
Course of Study
A sequentially organized series of educational experiences designed to culminate in the awarding of an academic degree or certificate. The terms “instructional program,” “academic program” and “course of study” are considered synonymous.
Credit Hour
Credit given for attending one lecture hour of class each week for 16 weeks or equivalent. Most college classes are three credit hours, meaning the total meeting time for a week is three hours. To calculate the cost for one course, multiply the number of credit hours the class is worth by the total tuition and mandatory fees per credit hour.
Cumulative GPA (GPA)
The average of a college student’s earned grades calculated by point values assigned to letter grades that include grades for all attempted regularly graded course work, including activity courses and forgiven course work. This GPA may be used for financial aid or eligibility purposes, for admission to graduate or professional programs, or to determine eligibility for graduation honors. Also see Retention/Graduation GPA.
Curricular Deficiencies
High school curricular requirements required for college admission that have not been met by the student in high school.
Curricular Requirements
The 15 units of high school course work required for college admission to public colleges and universities in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
D
egree
An academic credential conferred by a college or university as official recognition for the successful completion of an instructional program.
D
ependent Person
One who is under the care, custody and support of a parent or legal guardian.
D
iploma
A formal document issued by an institution that certifies a student has successfully completed an instructional program.
D
istance Education
Learning that normally occurs in a different location than teaching and, as a result, requires special techniques of course design and instruction and special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements.
D
rop Period
In general, the first one-eighth of an academic term.
E
lective Courses
Courses that fulfill the “Other” high school units to meet the total of 15 required for college admission by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
E
lectronic Media
Includes courses and programs offered through videotape, CD-ROM, telecourses, web (online), Interactive Television or other digital methodologies.
E
nglish as a Second Language (ESL)
Designation for students, programs and courses of non-native speakers of English.
E
ntry-Level Assessment and Placement
An evaluation conducted prior to enrollment that assists institutional faculty and counselors in making decisions that give students the best possible chance of success in attaining academic goals.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-127
E
xtrainstitutional Learning
Learning attained outside the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited postsecondary institutions. Applies to learning acquired from work and life experiences, independent reading and study, the mass media, and participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business, government, industry, the military and unions.
Fall Semester
An academic term that begins mid- to late-August or early September and ends in December.
First-Time-Entering Student
A student with six or fewer attempted credit hours, excluding remedial/developmental (zero-level courses) or pre-college work and excluding credit hours accumulated by concurrently enrolled high school students.
Full-Time Student
An undergraduate student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester in an academic year or a minimum of six credit hours in a summer session or a graduate student enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours per semester in an academic year or a minimum of four credit hours in a summer session. The definition of full-time summer enrollment for financial aid purposes may be different, so check with the financial aid office at the college or university you’re considering.
G
eneral Educational Development Test (GED)
Recognized high school diploma equivalency exam.
G
raduate Student
A student working toward a master’s or doctoral degree.
H
igh ScSchool GPA
Average of all grades earned in the ninth through 12th grades.
H
igher Education Center
Institution with flexible admission standards that provides higher education opportunities to citizens in the areas surrounding the center. The center works with various colleges and universities to provide undergraduate and graduate courses, and students can earn associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
I
ndependent (Private) Colleges and Universities
A private, denominational or other two-year or four-year college or university that offers courses beyond the 12th grade for which students earn credit and that may be applied to satisfy the requirements for an associate, bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree. Independent colleges and universities are not supported by state taxes and are not for profit. They receive the bulk of their revenues from tuition, donations and grants.
I
ndependent Person
One enjoying majority privileges (or legally emancipated from the parental domicile) and who is responsible for his or her own care, custody and support.
I
ntensive English Program (IEP)
A program designed to provide English instruction for non-native speakers to adequately prepare them for collegiate-level instruction in a short period of time.
I
nternational English Language Testing
System (IElts)
The British Council’s English language assessment primarily used by those seeking international education, professional recognition, benchmarking to international standards and global mobility.
I
ntersession
Academic terms shorter than a traditional semester or summer session, generally between semesters or between the summer session and spring and fall semesters.
L
earning Site
A site designated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education with the function and responsibility of ensuring that higher education needs are met either through programs offered by a designated institution or imported courses from other institutions.
L
ower-Division Course Work
Courses generally taken in the freshman and sophomore year and numbered at the 1000 and 2000 levels.
M
ajor
An academic subject area such as economics or geology in which students take many courses and choose to earn a degree.
Photo courtesy of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-128
M
andatory Fees
Fees required of all students for enrollment at an Oklahoma higher education institution and used to support the institution and support service facilities. Mandatory fees include, but are not limited to, library fees, technology services fees, student activity fees and assessment fees.
M
inor
An area of interest studied at the same time as a major. It requires fewer courses than a major.
Part-Time Student
A student who is enrolled in a certain number of course credits or hours which are less than full time. For an undergraduate student, this is usually less than 12 credits or hours. For a graduate student, it is usually less than nine credits or hours.
Prerequisite
A course which a student must take before he or she can enroll in another (usually more challenging) course.
Program
A sequentially organized series of courses and other educational experiences designed to culminate in an academic degree or certificate. The terms “instructional program,” “academic program” and “course of study” are considered synonymous.
R
ecognized National Accrediting Agency
An accrediting agency that is recognized by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority as to the quality of higher education institutions under Code of Federal Regulations 34 CFR, Part 602. The secretary periodically publishes in the Federal Register a list of recognized accrediting agencies and the scope of each agency’s recognition, i.e., the types of institutions the agency may accredit, the degrees and certificates awarded, the geographic area, and the preaccreditation status(es) that the secretary has approved for recognition.
R
egional Accrediting Agency
A nationally recognized accrediting agency whose geographic scope has been defined by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to include at least three states that are contiguous or in close proximity to one another. Regional accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental organization that establishes criteria for educational quality in the geographic region. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (HLC) accredits public and private/independent institutions in Oklahoma. The HLC evaluates institutions based on Eligibility Requirements (ER) and the Criteria for Accreditation and accredits those institutions that meet these requirements.
R
egional University
A university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and in some instances, associate or professional degrees. While regional universities focus primarily on instruction, they are also responsible for extension and public service, as well as some research. They tend to have mid-sized student populations and campuses.
R
emedial/Developmental Courses
Zero-level courses that do not carry college credit and are designed to raise students’ competency in the subject area to the collegiate level.
R
esearch University
A university that grants bachelor’s, graduate and professional degrees and offers a wide variety of courses and degree programs. Along with instruction, research institutions also focus on research, extension and public service. Research universities usually have large student bodies and expansive campuses. Oklahoma’s two research universities are Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.
R
esident
One who has lived continuously in a state for at least 12 months duration and whose domicile is in that state. A person’s domicile is his or her true, fixed, permanent home or habitation. It is the place where he or she intends to remain and to which he or she expects to return. A person can have more than one residence, but only one domicile. Domicile has two components: residence and the intention to remain. When these two occur, domicile is established.
R
esidential College
A college at which students may live on campus in dormitories or apartments.
R
etention/Graduation Grade Point
A
verage (GPA)
The average of a college student’s earned grades calculated by point values assigned to letter grades that is used to determine a student’s eligibility to remain enrolled or graduate from an institution. Activity courses and forgiven course work are not calculated in the retention/graduation GPA. This GPA may be used for financial aid or eligibility
Photo courtesy of the University of Oklahoma.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-129
purposes, admission to graduate or professional programs, or to determine eligibility for graduation honors. Also see Cumulative GPA.
S
emester
Calendar system used by colleges and universities. The standard and traditional academic calendar unit which consists of a minimum of 16 weeks, excluding enrollment, orientation and scheduled breaks.
Sp
ecialty Accrediting Agency
An agency, recognized by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, that conducts accrediting activities to evaluate the quality of academic programs in specific programmatic areas.
Sp
ring Semester
An academic term that begins in January and ends prior to the first of June.
St
andardized Test (ACT or SAT)
Test used by colleges and universities to evaluate an applicant’s academic skills and abilities. The standardized tests most widely used by colleges and universities are the ACT and SAT. Oklahoma state colleges and universities rely primarily on the ACT.
St
ate (Public) Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities that receive funding from state taxes to pay part of operating costs.
S
ubject Area Test
Standardized tests given by the ACT program in math, science, reading and English. Public colleges and universities look at these test scores when helping students enroll in courses.
S
ummer Session
An academic term that begins about the last week in May or the first week in June and ends late July or early August.
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
An academic discipline for preparation of teachers who will teach English to non-native English speakers.
Technical Branch
Institution that has a special emphasis on education and training in technical fields. Some technical branches offer academic courses and programs, but not all institutions offer two-year programs (non-technical) that lead to an associate degree that transfers to universities. Oklahoma’s two technical branches are Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee and OSU-Oklahoma City.
Technical-Occupational Program
Vocational-education program offered by an institution of higher education with curricular patterns designed to focus on a specific career and lead to direct employment in that career field.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Educational Testing Service’s exam that measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings.
Traditional Off-Campus Courses and Programs
Courses taught for credit at a location that is remote from the main campus of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education college or university and is not considered part of the college’s or university’s physical plant.
Transcript
Official document, issued by an institution, with student information that is a complete and accurate reflection of a student’s academic career. Includes information such as cumulative and retention/graduation GPAs, semesters of attendance, courses taken, grades and credit hours earned, degrees received, academic standing, academic honors and transfer information.
Transfer Credit
Credits earned by students at institutions accredited by a regional accrediting agency or by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are accepted for transfer at face value into like programs at institutions in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education (and on a voluntary basis by private/independent institutions) consistent with the State Regents’ Undergraduate Transfer and Articulation Policy. Credits earned by a student at an institution accredited by a recognized national accrediting agency may be reviewed on a course-by-course basis for possible transfer to an institution in the State System (and on a voluntary basis by private/independent institutions).
Transfer Student
Any undergraduate student with greater than six attempted credit hours, excluding remedial/developmental (zero-level courses) or pre-college work and excluding credit hours accumulated by concurrently enrolled high school students.
Photo courtesy of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1210
Trimester
Calendar system used primarily by the state’s technical branches. Classes and grade reports are divided into three periods, each lasting about 10 weeks.
Tuition
Payment that students make to cover costs of their classes at public and private colleges and universities. Other fees may be also required.
Two-Year College
See Community College.
U
ndergraduate Student
A student working toward an associate or a bachelor’s degree or a certificate.
Photo courtesy of Northeastern State University.
U
niversity
A higher education institution that usually offers bachelor’s degrees, as well as degrees beyond the baccalaureate level (i.e. graduate and professional degrees). They may also offer associate degrees.
Upp
er-Division Course Work
Courses generally taken in the junior and senior year and numbered at the 3000 and 4000 levels.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
GETTING INTO COLLEGE
Starting Early....................................................11
Cooperative Alliance.........................................11
What It Takes...................................................12
Choosing the Right Courses................................14
Transferring.....................................................14
Accreditation...................................................14
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
GETTING INTO COLLEGEThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1211
Oklahoma higher education provides opportunities for students to get a head start on college by earning college credit while they are still in high school. These programs give high school students the chance to try college-level work and, in turn, increase their subject matter knowledge, gain valuable skills, improve their study habits and save time and money in college. Get a jump on college by asking your counselor for more information or by visiting www.OKcollegestart.org.
Public Colleges and Universities
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to take high school courses with college-level rigor while in high school and receive credit from Oklahoma state colleges and universities based on AP examination scores. Students are encouraged to take AP courses to prepare for college-level study. There may be a fee charged to take an AP test.
C
oncurrent Enrollment
Oklahoma colleges and universities offer outstanding high school students the opportunity to get a head start on college. Students who meet admission standards can participate in concurrent enrollment and earn college credit while in school. Students participating in home-school instruction may enroll concurrently under the same admission standards. By policy, 17-year-old home-schooled students are classified seniors, and 16-year-old students are classified as juniors. High school seniors may be eligible for a tuition waiver of up to six credit hours per semester for their concurrent courses at Oklahoma colleges and universities.
C
ooperative Alliance
Some higher education institutions, in partnership with Oklahoma’s career technology centers, offer high school students and adults an opportunity to earn college credit toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or a technical college certificate for some courses taught at technology centers statewide. For more information about early college credit, see the Cooperative Alliance section below.
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
AP and concurrent enrollment requirements and programs for independent institutions (not tax supported, nonprofit) may vary. Check with the institution you plan to attend for additional information.
starting early
The Cooperative Alliance program allows qualified high school (or home-schooled) students to literally be in two places at once. Students can complete high school studies while earning college credit toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree by successfully completing courses at technology centers and colleges in Oklahoma.
A.A.S. courses, taught at technology centers, have been evaluated by higher education faculty and administrators and determined to qualify for college credit.
What is an A.A.S. (Workforce) Degree?
The A.A.S. is a two-year degree awarded by an Oklahoma public college or university. It is designed for students who are interested in employment in a specific career. As a workforce degree, the technical college courses are specific to the A.A.S. and are not intended to transfer to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. However, some credit may apply to a specific Bachelor of Technology degree. You should speak with your guidance counselor or adviser if you have any questions about career plans and appropriate college degrees.
What does it cost?
To cover campus-based academic and administrative services, an $8 per credit hour fee is charged by the college or university that is granting the college credit.
H
ow do I enroll?
When you enroll in a Cooperative Alliance course at a technology center and want college credit, you will go through the college admissions process.
To be admitted to the Cooperative Alliance program, you must be a high school junior or senior or be at least 16 years old and receiving high school-level instruction at home. You must also have a high school GPA of 2.5, a PLAN score of 15 or an ACT score of 19.
Grades earned while taking college credit courses become a part of your permanent transcript, and you must maintain a 2.0 GPA in your college-level courses to remain in good standing and maintain eligibility.
You must also complete an admissions application, have a signed “Parental/Guardian Consent Letter” and a signed “Student Statement of Understanding.” To get the process started, speak with your high school guidance counselor or a technology center’s Cooperative Alliance coordinator.
Through the Cooperative Alliance program, all 29 career technology centers in Oklahoma participate as partners with 18 colleges and universities throughout the state. You can find a complete list at www.okhighered.org/alliances.
COOPERATIVE ALLIANCEThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1212
Courses to Take
Listed in the table below are the courses you must take if you want to go to an Oklahoma state college or university. These courses will also help you prepare for on-the-job success if you decide to jump straight into the job market after high school. Note: Requirements may change, so check with your counselor for details.
Oklahoma’s Promise (Oklahoma’s Higher Learning Access Program) course requirements are consistent with college admission requirements, except Oklahoma’s Promise students must take additional courses. Please see the information about Oklahoma’s Promise in the Money for College section for more details.
Suggestion for Success: Colleges and universities also recommend, but do not require, that you take an additional unit in laboratory science, an additional unit in math, plus two units in speech or fine arts (music, art, drama).
Public College and University Admission Requirements
what it takes
Courses Units Examples
English 4 grammar, composition and literature
Math 3 Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, math analysis, trigonometry, pre-
calculus (must ha
ve completed geometry and Algebra II), calculus,
Advanced Placement statistics
Lab Science 3 biology, chemistry, physics or any lab science certified by school district;
general science courses don’
t qualify
History and 3 must include one unit of American history and two units from the subjects
Citizenship Skills of history, economics, geography, government and/or non-Western culture
Other 2 from any of the course units listed above or computer science or foreign
language units
TOTAL 15
G
rades to Make
When you apply for admission to an Oklahoma state college or university, the institution will look at your score on a national test (ACT or SAT); your high school GPA and its ranking within your high school class; and/or your GPA in the 15 core courses required for college entry.
Note: Requirements may change, so see your counselor for up-to-date information. Also, concurrent enrollment and Cooperative Alliance enrollment by high school students may have different standards. If you want to go to a state university but do not meet the course and grade requirements, see your counselor.
Four additional units are also recommended for college preparation: 1 unit of mathematics, 1 unit of laboratory science, and 2 units of speech or fine arts (music, art, or drama). First-time entering students must meet assessment requirements before enrolling in college-level courses. See the State Regents’ Assessment Policy for more information.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma��s Colleges and Universities 2011-1213
O
klahoma State College and University Admission Standards for Fall 2012
College/university option 1 option 2 option 31
Oklahoma State 24 ACT or 1090 SAT 3.0 GPA and rank 3.0 GPA in 15-unit core
University2 in top 33% of class and 21 ACT or 980 SAT
University of Oklahoma3 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and 3.0 GPA and rank 3.0 GPA in 15-unit core
(OK residents) 3.0 GPA or top 50% of class in top 25% of class and 22 ACT or 1020 SAT
University of Science 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and 3.0 GPA and rank 3.0 GPA in 15-unit core
and Arts of Oklahoma 3.0 GPA or top 50% of class in top 25% of class and 22 ACT or 1020 SAT
All Other Regional 20 ACT or 940 SAT 2.7 GPA and rank 2.7 GPA in 15-unit core
Universities in top 50% of class
Community Colleges No minimum required. You don’t need to make certain scores, but you should take required high school classes AND graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED and take the ACT exam.
1Additional weighting (1.0) will be added to GPAs of students who take Advanced Placement and higher-level International Baccalaureate courses.
2A fourth option is available at OSU. Students who score between current OSU admission standards and the minimum State Regents’ standards – 22 ACT/1020 SAT or unweighted high school core curriculum GPA of at least 3.0 – may undergo a review of cognitive and non-cognitive factors. Cognitive factors include noted academic admission standards; quality, quantity and level of coursework throughout the entire high school program; completion of a progressively challenging math sequence, demonstrated by performance; and class rank taken in context with academic rigor and class size of high school attended. Non-cognitive factors include positive self-concept, realistic self-appraisal, long-term goals, leadership experience, community and knowledge in an acquired field. Cognitive factors will be weighted at 60 percent and non-cognitive at 40 percent.
3Students meeting the following requirements under each admission option will be placed on a waiting list and evaluated according to stated policy: Option 1--students with the required ACT score but less than a 3.0 GPA and lower than the top 50 percent of the high school class; Option 2--students in the top 26-30 percent of their high school class with at least a 3.0 GPA; and Option 3--all students.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
I
ndependent College and University Admissions Requirements
Course and grade requirements for independent institutions (not tax supported, nonprofit) vary, so check the Independent Institutions section of this book or see your counselor.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1214
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits all Oklahoma public, and some independent, colleges and universities.
An institution’s accreditation may affect your ability to transfer courses and your employment choices in the future.
Check with the institution you plan to attend and ask about accreditation.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
Public Colleges and Universities
After you have been accepted to an Oklahoma state college or university, your academic adviser will help you get a good start by ensuring that you enroll in the right courses for your skill or knowledge level. Your ACT subject test scores in science, mathematics, reading and English will be reviewed.
Generally, if you scored a 19 or higher on a subject test, you will be placed in a college-level course for that subject area. If you scored below 19 on a subject test, you may undergo additional testing in that area. If that test shows you are not yet ready for college-level work, you will be placed in a remedial course designed to increase your requisite knowledge in that specific content area. Remedial courses are designed to increase success in college, but remember,
Public Colleges and Universities
During your college career, you may decide to transfer from one Oklahoma college or university to another. Information gathered by Oklahoma public colleges and universities indicates that, based on junior- and senior-level GPAs, transfer students perform comparable to students who stay at the same college or university.
If you decide to transfer to a four-year university with an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree (two-year degrees), Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education policy ensures that these degrees will satisfy all freshman and sophomore general education requirements at the four-year university. If you transfer to another college before you complete an associate degree, your general education courses will be reviewed for matches to those at the college to which you transferred.
If you are seeking an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, you will need to take at least 37 hours of required courses in English, literature, math, science, history, government and the arts. If you are seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, you will need to take a minimum of 40 hours of required courses in these subjects.
To help you during the transfer process, course transfer information is posted at www.okcoursetransfer.org. Most state colleges and universities distribute lists of courses that will transfer among and meet degree requirements at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities. In addition, each bachelor’s degree-granting university lists the requirements for each of its bachelor’s degree programs and publicizes those requirements for use by all other colleges and universities.
For more information,visit www.okcoursetransfer.org, see your counselor or call the Student Transfer Hotline at 800.583.5883 (225.9163 in OKC) or check with the institution to which you plan to eventually transfer.
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
Transfer guidelines may vary from institution to institution. Check with the institution you wish to attend for additional information.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
c
hoosing the right courses
t
ransferringremedial courses do not count toward a degree due to the course being below college level. It is best to prepare for college while you are in high school, so when you get to college, you can focus your time and money on getting your college degree.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
Placement policies may differ for independent colleges and universities (not tax supported, nonprofit). Check with the institution you wish to attend for additional information.
accreditationThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
What It Costs...................................................15
Money for College...........................................17
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
PAYING FOR COLLEGEThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1215
College expenses vary depending on the type of college or university, the number of courses a student takes, a student’s major and his or her personal lifestyle, among other factors.
A significant expense for most college students is the cost of classes. Students pay tuition and mandatory fees to cover costs such as professors’ salaries, classroom and laboratory equipment, classroom maintenance and utility costs.
Tuition and mandatory fees at Oklahoma state colleges and universities are considerably lower than average tuition at similar institutions in other states. Mandatory fees include, but are not limited to, library fees, technology services fees, student activity fees and assessment fees.
In addition, some academic courses also charge academic service fees for the use of equipment and facilities, private instruction and testing/clinical services.
The chart below provides an estimate of annual college costs for an undergraduate resident student carrying 15 hours per semester at a state college or university during the 2011-12 academic year. Though subject to change, the costs can serve as a basis for estimating college expenses.
Independent colleges and universities (not tax supported, nonprofit) are generally more expensive than state colleges and universities, so review the independent college and university pages in this guide or check with your counselor for an estimate of costs.
WHA
T IT COSTS
2011-12 ES TIMA TED STUDEN T COS TS FOR RESIDEN T STUDEN TS
AT OKLAHOMA PUBLI C COLEGES AND UNIVERSI TIES
E
xpenses Research Universities Regional Universities Community Colleges Technical Branches
Tuition $4,076 $3,537 $2,206 $2,802
Mandatory Fees $3,040 $1,155 $819 $828
Average Academic Service Fees $858 $292 $60 $113
Room and Board* $6,880 $4,543 $4,437 $5,030
Books and Supplies $1,042 $1,105 $1,230 $1,620
Total $15,896 $10,632 $8,752 $10,393
*Room and board costs are based on a student living in a traditional dormitory with a roommate and a board (meal) plan. The costs represent the preferred room and board plan available on each campus. Many institutions offer a wide variety of room and board plans that may be more or less than the amount reported above.
Photo courtesy of Cameron University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1216
OKLAHOMA
PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Tuition and Mandatory Fees Per Credit Hour for 2011-12 (Oklahoma Residents)
Research Universities FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater and Tulsa 003170 $143.45 $93.45
University of Oklahoma, Norman 003184 $128.30 $109.18
OU Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City and Tulsa 005889 $128.30 $69.33
Regional Universities FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
Cameron University, Lawton and Duncan 003150 $103.50 $49.50
East Central University, Ada 003154 $114.81 $40.30
Langston University, Langston 003157 $97.00 $40.05
LU, Oklahoma City 003157 $97.00 $31.05
LU, Tulsa 003157 $97.00 $35.55
Northeastern State University,
Tahlequah, Broken Arrow and Muskogee 003161 $116.50 $36.90
Northwestern Oklahoma State University,
Alva, Enid and Woodward 003163 $132.25 $20.75
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell 003174 $104.50 $66.80
Rogers State University, Bartlesville, Claremore and Pryor 003168 $100.75 $58.45
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant 003179 $137.55 $22.55
SEOSU, Idabel (Lower-Division Courses) 003179 $137.55 $0.00
SEOSU Aviation Program at OCCC 003179 $173.00 $0.00
SEOSU, Grayson County, Texas 003179 $120.75 $0.00
Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford 003181 $122.00 $31.00
SWOSU, Sayre 003181 $122.00 $26.00
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond 003152 $139.20 $18.05
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha 003167 $129.00 $39.00
Community Colleges FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
Carl Albert State College, Poteau and Sallisaw 003176 $55.00 $28.00
Connors State College, Warner and Muskogee 003153 $70.14 $29.75
Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton and McAlester 003155 $79.47 $27.20
Murray State College, Tishomingo 003158 $92.00 $14.67
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Miami 003160 $67.85 $31.98
Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa and Enid 003162 $61.80 $23.95
NOC, Stillwater 003162 $61.80 *$90.27
Oklahoma City Community College 010391 $71.55 $23.45
Redlands Community College, El Reno 003156 $106.00 $0.00
Rose State College, Midwest City 009185 $75.00 $19.97
Seminole State College, Seminole 003178 $68.55 $39.15
Tulsa Community College 009763 $72.55 $29.45
Western Oklahoma State College, Altus 003146 $62.50 $32.85
Technical Branches FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
OSU Institute of Technology, Okmulgee (Lower-Division Courses) 003172 $101.50 $33.50
OSU-Oklahoma City (Lower-Division Courses) 009647 $85.30 $21.67
Higher Education Center Tuition Mandatory Fees
Ardmore Higher Education Center, Ardmore (Lower-Division Courses) $120.00 $3.67
*NOC, Stillwater has $1,110 mandatory pass-through fees to OSU
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1217
College is an investment in your future that you should be planning for now. You are fortunate to live in Oklahoma, where state colleges and universities are among the most affordable in the nation. Plus, Oklahoma has many resources available to help you and your family plan for and manage the cost of earning a college degree.
Did you know that during 2008-09 students attending Oklahoma public and independent (private) colleges and universities received financial aid totaling $1.5 billion? There is a good chance you will qualify for financial aid!
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
Fortunately, there are many kinds of student financial aid to help you and your family manage the cost of college. While your high school guidance counselor can give you specific financial aid information, the following are some general sources of financial aid.
Scholarships – awards given for a variety of reasons, such as good grades, special talents or career plans
Grants – aid that’s based on financial need and that doesn’t have to be repaid
Work-study (student employment) – money you earn for college by working part time at the college or university you are attending or at an approved off-campus worksite in the community
Loans – borrowed money that you must repay over time, with interest
GE
TTING FINANCIAL AID
One way to get started on a financial plan for college is to take advantage of a free online service called the ACT Financial Aid Need Estimator at www.act.org/fane. The estimator can help your family plan to meet college costs at specific institutions by estimating your family’s contribution, your eligibility for federal need-based financial aid and the amount of other financial aid you will need.
Here are five more helpful tips for locating sources of financial aid:
To apply for federal financial aid (grants, work-study and loans) 1. and the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) program, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after Jan. 1 during your senior year in high school and each year you need aid in college. Call the financial aid office of the college(s) you plan to attend to learn about any additional forms they may require. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov, and families are encouraged to use this method of application (step-by-step instructions are provided on the site). Paper copies may
money for college
be available from college financial aid offices or high school guidance counselors. Remember, the first F in FAFSA stands for “free.” Be wary of any organization that requires you to pay to fill out the FAFSA!
Check for scholarships sponsored by local organizations, including 2. your church, parent’s employer, and community groups such as the American Legion, YMCA, 4-H Club, Elks, Masons, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and the Girl or Boy Scouts. Your high school counselor can help you explore scholarship opportunities in your area.
Contact the admissions or financial aid office at the colleges you 3. are interested in attending. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to recognize academic achievement or special talents, such as athletics or performing arts. Much of this information is available on colleges’ websites.
Search the Internet for helpful financial aid information. To start, 4. visit www.OKcollegestart.org, www.ocap.org, www.finaid.org, www.studentaid.ed.gov, www.mappingyourfuture.org, and www.fastweb.com. Avoid online scholarship searches or agencies that charge fees for their services. All the information you need is available free of charge.
It’s best to use savings or free financial aid to pay for college, but 5. that’s not always possible or enough to cover college expenses. You might need to borrow money to pay for your education. But don’t worry – there are many resources to help. The federal government offers inexpensive student loans with flexible repayment terms. Be sure to exhaust all federal loan options before considering “private” or “alternative” loans, which can have higher interest rates and fewer flexible repayment options. For more information, contact the Oklahoma College Assistance Program, an operating division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that provides college access, financial literacy and student loan management programs and services for students and parents, at 800.442.8642 or visit www.ocap.org.
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
There are numerous state and federal programs to help you pay for college. Many of them are listed on the following pages. For more information, visit www.OKcollegestart.org or call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 or 225.9239 in Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA
TUITION AID GRANT PROGRAM (OTAG)
OTAG is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend approved colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time or part-time undergraduate students.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1218
Application
Application is made through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.gov, through high school guidance counselors or the financial aid office at the college you are planning to attend. For best consideration, you should complete and submit the FAFSA to the federal student aid application system as soon as possible after Jan. 1 of your senior year. IT IS IMPORTANT TO APPLY EARLY. Typically, the OTAG program receives more eligible applications than can be awarded with available funds, and how early a student applies can be the deciding factor in whether that student is offered an OTAG award.
E
ligibility
Financial need is measured by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is determined based on the information the student provides on their FAFSA. The maximum EFC eligible to receive OTAG may vary from year to year based on volume of eligible applications received and available state funding. The EFC appears on the Student Aid Report sent to students by the U.S. Department of Education once their FAFSA has been processed. An award will not be denied for academic reasons as long as the college’s minimum requirements for admission are fulfilled and satisfactory academic progress is made according to the school’s policy for student financial aid recipients.
Awaward Amount
Currently, the maximum annual award is the lesser of 75 percent of enrollment costs or $1,000 for students attending public colleges, universities or career technology centers and $1,300 for students attending eligible private colleges and universities. One-half of the award is disbursed in the fall semester, and one-half is disbursed in the spring semester. Funds are released to eligible students by campus officials after eligibility has been confirmed.
For More Informationnformation
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.otag.org
OKLAHOMA
TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT (OTEG)OTEG is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents enrolled as full-time undergraduates at Oklahoma not-for-profit, private/independent institutions of higher education.
E
ligibility
To be eligible for OTEG award consideration, a student must:
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and • report Oklahoma as his/her state of legal residence.
Be enrolled full-time in the fall and/or spring semesters.•
Have a family income of $50,000 or less.•
Be an Oklahoma resident according to the State Regents’ Policy • on Residence Status of Enrolled Students in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
Meet the institution’s satisfactory academic progress • requirements.
Not have already earned a bachelor’s degree.•
Not have already received OTEG awards for five years.•
Awaward Amount
Participating colleges and universities will each select the students to receive the award at their institution.
Grant amounts are $2,000 per academic year or $1,000 per • academic semester.
Institutions will notify students of their awards.•
F
or More Information
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Program
877.662.6231
225.9456 (Oklahoma City area)
www.OKcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Grants/Grants.aspx
OKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMA
’
S
PROMISEROMISEROMISEROMISEROMISEROMISE (OKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMA HIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHER Learning ACCESSESSESS PROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAM)
The Oklahoma Legislature created a scholarship program that will help pay for a student’s education if his or her parents’ total yearly income is not more than $50,000 at the time of application and not more than $100,000 at the time the student goes to college. That program is called Oklahoma’s Promise.
H
ow it Works
Student must be an Oklahoma resident and enroll in the program • in eighth, ninth or 10th grade (home-schooled students age 13, 14 or 15). Student starts early so he/she can get ready for college by taking high school courses that will help him/her do well.
Student must take certain courses and pass those courses with • at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. (See below for a full description of required curriculum.)
Student must achieve at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA for all • courses in grades 9-12.
Student must go to class regularly and do his/her homework.•
Student also agrees to stay out of serious trouble and away from • drugs and alcohol.
Student must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United • States to receive the scholarship in college.
Student must meet additional financial, academic and conduct • requirements to keep the scholarship after enrolling in college.
WHAT ARE THETHETHE BENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITS?
Once a student has completed the program’s goals and graduated from an Oklahoma high school, Oklahoma’s Promise will help pay the student’s tuition at a public community college or university. It will also cover a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or university or for courses at public technology centers that are approved for credit toward an Associate of Applied Science degree at a public college. The scholarship is good for up to five years or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree, whichever The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1219
comes first. The final amount of the scholarship will vary depending on where the student attends college, the tuition rates in effect at that time and whether he or she attends full-time or less.
H
ow Parents CaCan Help
Parents should encourage the student to do well in his or her courses and to stay out of trouble. When the student signs up for the program, the parents also sign an agreement and promise to help their child successfully reach the goals of the program.
R
equired High School Curriculum for Oklahoma’s Promise Eligibility1
Parents should encourage the student to do well in his or her courses and to stay out of trouble. When the student signs up for the program, the parents also sign an agreement and promise to help their child successfully reach the goals of the program.
4 English (grammar, composition, literature)
3 Lab Science (biology, chemistry, physics or any lab science certified by the school district; general science with or without a lab may not be used to meet this requirement)
3 Mathematics (from Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, calculus, Advanced Placement [AP] statistics)
3 History and Citizenship Skills (including one unit of American history and two units from the subjects of history, government, geography, economics, civics and/or non-Western culture)
2 Foreign or non-English language (two years of the same language) OR Computer Technology (Courses in programming, hardware and business computer applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphics will qualify. Keyboarding or typing classes DO NOT qualify.) (1 foreign language and 1 computer technology course WILL NOT meet this requirement.)
1 Additional course of any of the subjects listed above
1 Fine Arts (music, art, drama) or Speech
17 Total Units
1 Students graduating from a non-accredited high school and home-schooled students must ALSO achieve a composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT test.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma’s Promise
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9152 (Oklahoma City area)
okpromise@osrhe.edu
www.okpromise.org
A
CADEMIC SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Academic Scholars Program was created and funded by the Oklahoma Legislature as an incentive for students of high academic ability to attend both public and private higher education institutions in Oklahoma. The program was created to enhance the academic environment, to retain academically talented students within Oklahoma and to attract others of equal talent to the state.
Application
Applications are available every October and can be obtained by contacting the State Regents’ office. The applicant must qualify prior to college entry.
E
ligibility
Residents of Oklahoma automatically qualify by scoring within the 99.5 to 100.0 percentile levels on the ACT or SAT as administered in the state of Oklahoma. For students entering the program fall 2010, the minimum ACT sum of scores required is 133. The sum of scores required is subject to change each year. Students will need to contact the State Regents’ office to verify the sum of scores required to qualify for the program. The test scores must be from a single national test date. Partial scores from more than one examination will not be considered.
Residents also automatically qualify by achieving one of the following designations: National Merit Scholar, National Merit Finalist or United States Presidential Scholar. Non-residents may qualify for the program by achieving designation as a National Merit Scholar, National Merit Finalist or United States Presidential Scholar. However, out-of-state student participation is limited, and achieving such a designation does not automatically qualify students for the program.
INSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTION
AL NOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEE
State public colleges and universities may nominate students attending their institutions for the Academic Scholars Program based on criteria established by each individual institution. Nominees will be selected through the normal admission and/or scholarship application at the institution.
Awaward Amount
The amount of the award varies according to the type of institution the student attends and qualifying status. The annual scholarship amount for Automatic Qualifiers is $5,500 for students who attend Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma or The University of Tulsa; $4,000 for students who attend any other Oklahoma four-year public or private college or university; and $3,500 for students who attend Oklahoma community colleges.
The annual scholarship amount for Institutional Nominees is $2,800 for students who attend Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma or The University of Tulsa; $2,000 for students who attend any other Oklahoma four-year public or private college or university; and $1,800 for students who attend Oklahoma community colleges. The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1220
Students who enroll at public universities and colleges are eligible for a tuition waiver in addition to the scholarship award noted above.
The scholarship will be awarded for up to eight semesters of attendance at an Oklahoma institution of higher education in accordance with the continuing eligibility requirements.
C
riteria for Continued Eligibility
Participants awarded a scholarship must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. A program year is defined as beginning in the fall semester and continuing through the summer term. Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Full-time enrollment shall mean a minimum of 12 hours per semester and 24 hours in the two regular semesters.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okhighered.org/academic-scholars
REGIONAL
UNIVERSITY BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship enables 11 participating public universities to provide up to four years of scholarship support to academically promising Oklahoma students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Each participating institution may nominate up to 15 freshman awardees per year.
R
egional Universities
Cameron University, East Central University, Langston University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Rogers State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Application
Application is made directly through the university the student plans to attend. The application deadline will vary for each institution.
E
ligibility
Applicants must be Oklahoma residents.•
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria defined • below:
a. have an ACT composite score of at least 30 and a GPA and class rank which are exceptional, as determined by the institution OR
b. be a National Merit Semifinalist or a National Merit Commended Student as designated by the National Merit Scholarship corporation.
(Only ACT and SAT test scores from tests administered on national test dates will be considered for admission to the program.)
Awaward Amount
The annual award amount is $3,000. Each awardee will also • receive a resident tuition waiver from the institution.
The scholarship is available for up to eight semesters of study • in a baccalaureate program at a regional university or until the student is granted a baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first.
The scholarship award may be used only at the university • making the award; it is not portable.
C
riteria for Continued Eligibility
Participants awarded a scholarship must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. A program year is defined as beginning in the fall semester and continuing through the summer term. Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Full-time enrollment shall mean a minimum of 12 hours per semester and 24 hours in the two regular semesters.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
RO
BERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is federally funded to promote student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued academic excellence and achievement. Students are selected to receive scholarships based on meeting eligibility criteria and completion and evaluation of an application. An equal number of “Byrd Scholars” are selected annually to represent each of Oklahoma’s five congressional districts. This program is administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to compete for the Byrd Scholarship:
Be a U.S. citizen or national or be a permanent resident of the • United States.
Be a legal resident of Oklahoma.•
Be a senior enrolled in full-time coursework leading to high • school graduation.
Have applied to or been accepted for admission as a full-time • student by an institution of higher education.
Be able to meet academic criteria as stated in the scholarship • application (this includes GPA, ACT/SAT, and/or GED scores).
Must not be in default on a previous federal loan, scholarship • or grant.
Must not have been declared ineligible to receive federal • assistance as a condition of sentencing under Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1221
Awaward Amount
“Byrd Scholars” receive $1,500 for the first year of study at an eligible postsecondary institution. Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study provided students continue to meet eligibility standards as defined by the institutions they are attending.
For More Informationnformation
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Professional Services Division
Oliver Hodge Building
2500 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4599
405.521.2808
www.sde.state.ok.us/Finance/Scholarships/Byrd/
FUTURE TEACHERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Future Teachers Scholarship Program was established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as an incentive to encourage the preparation of teachers in critical shortage areas in the public schools of Oklahoma.
C
ritical Teacher Shortage Areas
Science•
English•
Music•
Early Childhood Education•
Foreign Language (Spanish)•
Application
A new application must be submitted each academic year.•
Application deadlines are established by individual institutions. • Completed applications are to be submitted to the nominating institution. The following documentation is required:
a. First-time freshmen must submit a copy of their high school transcript and ACT or SAT score, whichever is applicable.
b. Students who have attended a postsecondary institution must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
c. All students must submit the essay portion of the application on a separate sheet.
Institutions will submit scholarship candidates and alternates in • priority order to the State Regents’ office.
The State Regents’ office will notify institutions of awards.•
ELIGIBILITY
The student must be a resident of Oklahoma.•
The student must be nominated by the college in which they are • enrolled on the basis of one of the following criteria:
a. cumulative high school GPA ranking in the top 15 percent of his or her high school graduating class OR
b. ACT or SAT score ranking in the top 15 percent for high school graduates of the same year OR
c. admission to a professional education program at an accredited Oklahoma institution of higher education OR
d. an undergraduate record of outstanding success, as defined by the institution.
Full-time and part-time students are eligible for the scholarship; • however, highest priority will be given to full-time students.
Scholarship recipients must maintain no less than a 2.5 • cumulative GPA.
Each recipient must agree to teach in a shortage area in • Oklahoma public schools for a minimum of three consecutive years upon graduation and licensure as a teacher.
Recipients may receive the scholarship for not more than four • years, or the equivalent of four years, of full-time study.
Awaward Amount
An award amount for each nominated student will be determined by the college the student attends. The following annual award limits have been set by the State Regents:
HOURS COMPLETED maximum TOWARD annualENROLLMENT BACCALAUREATEALAUREATE AWARARDFull-Time 60 hours and above $1,500Full-Time Less than 60 hours $1,000Part-Time 60 hours and above $750Part-Time Less than 60 hours $500For purposes of this program, full-time enrollment means not less than 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and not less than nine credit hours per semester for graduate students. Part-time enrollment means not less than six credit hours per semester.
FO
r More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
GEORGE
AND DONNA NIGH PUBLILIC SERVISERVISERVISERVISERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established by the 1999 Oklahoma Legislature to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service. A component of the scholarship program is participation in seminars on public service offered by the Nigh Institute. Each college and university may nominate one scholarship recipient per year.
Application
Presidents of Oklahoma colleges and universities will be invited to submit a nominee for consideration of award prior to the beginning of the spring semester. An advisory committee appointed by the Nigh Institute will review and approve the nominations and make announcement of awards.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1222
E
ligibility
Scholarship recipients must be residents of the state of • Oklahoma as determined by the State Regents.
Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time in an • undergraduate program at a public or private college or university in the state of Oklahoma.
Scholarship recipients must be enrolled in a degree program • leading to a career in public service as determined by the institution.
Students receiving the scholarship must demonstrate • exceptional academic achievement as evidenced by a number of factors, which may include GPA, class rank, national awards, scholastic achievement, honors, teachers’ recommendations and the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities.
Amount of Scholarship
The scholarship award amount is $1,000.•
Scholarships will be awarded on a yearly basis and are not • renewable.
Each participating college or university may nominate one • scholarship recipient each year.
F
or More Information
Nigh Institute
Attn: Carl F. Reherman
Kirkpatrick Bank
3001 E. Memorial Road
Edmond, OK 73013
405.818.0414
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
S
CHOLARS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHILD CARE PROGRAM
The Scholars Program awards scholarships to eligible child care professionals to complete coursework in the area of child development or early childhood education. These scholarships enable child care providers in Oklahoma to attend a technology center or community college to improve their skills through education.
Application
Eligible child care providers may apply for the:
Career Technology Center Scholarship Early Education: Pathway • to CDA for coursework offered at area technology centers and online.
Community College Scholarship for coursework in the area of • child development or early childhood education leading toward a CDA Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Mastery*, Director’s Certificate of Completion, and/or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education offered at local community colleges.
Career Technology Center Scholarship applications may be obtained by calling 405.225.9396 or 866.343.3881. Community College Scholarship applications may be obtained through the Scholars Program scholar coordinator at each of the local community colleges in Oklahoma. Scholarship applications can also be obtained by calling 405.225.9395 or 866.343.3881 or visit the website at www.okhighered.org/scholars.
E
ligibility
To qualify for the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program, child care professionals must:
Work in a one-star plus or above OKDHS or tribal-licensed • child care facility with a minimum of 10 percent subsidy children at time of application.
Work as a teacher, family child care provider, or director at • least 30 hours per week earning $15.50 or less per hour.
Be employed at a child care facility at least three months before • beginning coursework or have taken Entry Level Child Care Training (ELCCT).
Note: Due to the availability of education and training funds, employees from federally funded child care programs are not eligible to participate in the scholarship. Additionally, employees from school-age programs are not eligible to participate in the scholarship at this time.
Awaward Amount
Tuition scholarship recipients receive 80 percent of tuition and fees and 100 percent of books (after other financial aid has been applied) for required courses toward Pathway to CDA coursework, a child development associate (CDA) Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Mastery,* Director’s Certificate of Completion, and/or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education.
*Offered at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okhighered.org/scholars
H
eroes Promise
House Bill 1343 became effective July 1, 2011, creating a special tuition scholarship for children of Oklahoma military personnel who were killed in action after Jan. 1, 2000.
E
ligibility
The scholarship is available to children of any person killed after Jan. 1, 2000, in the line of duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or who died after Jan. 1, 2000, as a result of an injury sustained while in the line of duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The person who was killed or died must have filed an individual • or joint Oklahoma income tax return for the tax year prior to the year during which the person was killed or died.
The student must be an Oklahoma resident. • The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1223
The student must enroll within the Oklahoma State System of • Higher Education prior to reaching the age of 21.
AWARD AMOUNTMOUNTMOUNTMOUNTMOUNT
Heroes Promise will help pay the student’s tuition at a public community college or university. It will also cover a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or university or for courses at public technology centers that are approved for credit toward an Associate in Applied Science degree at a public college. The scholarship is good for up to five years or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. The final amount of the scholarship will vary depending on where the student attends college, the tuition rates in effect at that time and whether he or she attends full time or less.
F
or More Information
Heroes Promise
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
405.225.9131 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.OKcollegestart.org
TUITION WAWAiVERS
COLLEGE
-AWARDED TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIPS
State Regents’ policy authorizes each institution in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education to provide for tuition waiver scholarships on the basis of financial need, scholastic aptitude and achievement, academic discipline or field of study, student activity participation and academic level. State system institutions are also required to waive resident tuition for individuals who meet specific criteria.
ST
ATETE-AUTHORIUTHORIUTHORIUTHORIUTHORIZEDED TUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITION WAIVERSIVERSIVERSIVERSIVERS
In addition to tuition waiver scholarships awarded by Oklahoma public colleges and universities, resident tuition will be waived fully or partially for the following:
Senior citizens who wish to audit courses (includes a waiver of • special fees and activity fees)
POWs, MIAs and their dependents•
Dependents of peace officers and firefighters killed in the line • of duty
Exchange students on a reciprocal basis•
Graduate assistants, either resident or non-resident, with at • least a one-quarter time graduate assistantship
Academic Scholars Program awardees•
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship awardees•
Army or Air National Guard members in good standing•
Independent Living Act – Department of Human Services • dependents who meet specific criteria
Benefits-eligible employees at institutions in the Oklahoma • State System of Higher Education
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
www.OKcollegestart.org
national guard tUITION WAIVERSWAIVERS
The Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver is established as an incentive for qualified men and women to join the Oklahoma National Guard and as a means to retain skilled, productive citizens within the state.
Application
The student is required to submit a Statement of Understanding and Certificate of Basic Eligibility each semester for which he or she is applying for the waiver. The certification form is to be signed by a commander or representative of the Oklahoma National Guard. This signature certifies that the student is in good standing with the National Guard and that the National Guard member agrees to abide by all program rules and procedures. The form is to be forwarded by the student to the institution he or she wishes to attend by the deadline determined by the institution.
E
ligibility
A student who is a member of the Oklahoma National Guard shall be eligible for a full resident tuition waiver, provided the student:
Is a bona fide member of the Oklahoma National Guard at • the beginning of the semester for which he or she is applying for a scholarship or by the scholarship application deadline determined by the institution.
Has been certified as a member in good standing by the adjutant • general.
Is an Oklahoma resident or a non-resident student who is an • active member of the Oklahoma National Guard.
Does not currently hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree.•
Meets all admission and retention requirements of the • institution.
E
nrollment Requirements
A student meeting all of the program eligibility requirements will be awarded a full resident tuition waiver, provided the student:
Is enrolled in a program of study leading to an associate degree • or a baccalaureate degree.
Is enrolled in a minimum of three hours per term.•
Has submitted a plan for the completion of his or her degree with • the Oklahoma National Guard. Waivers will not be awarded for courses leading to a certificate, continuing education courses or career technology courses that are not counted toward a degree program at another institution. Concurrently enrolled high school students are not eligible for this tuition waiver. The tuition waiver is not applicable to professional programs that do not require an earned degree.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1224
Awaward Amount
A resident tuition waiver covers the cost of resident tuition for all courses for which resident tuition is charged. A non-resident student waiver will cover the non-resident portion only of the tuition charged by Oklahoma public college and universities. The student is responsible for all other fees, such as special course fees, student activity and facility fees, and assessment fees.
A student may receive a waiver for a maximum of 18 semester credit hours each semester, for up to six years from the date of first application.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma National Guard
800.GO.GUARD
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
INDE
PENDENT LIVING ACT (FOSTER CARE TUITION WAIVERWAIVER)
The Independent Living Act was established by the 2000 Oklahoma Legislature to ensure that eligible individuals who have been or are in the foster care program of the Department of Human Services receive services that include housing, medical coverage and education. The first recipients of the tuition waivers were 1999-2000 high school graduates.
E
ligibility
Student must have graduated within the previous three years • from a high school accredited by the State Board of Education, the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics or a high school bordering Oklahoma as approved by the State Board of Education OR the student must have completed the General Educational Development (GED) requirements.
Tuition waivers are available to students up to 21 years of • age who have been in DHS custody for at least nine months between the ages of 16 and 18.
Student must be enrolled in a public college or university or • certain programs at technology centers.
Tuition waivers will be made available to eligible students up to • 26 years of age or upon completion of a baccalaureate degree or program certificate, whichever comes first.
Awaward Amount
A resident tuition waiver covers the cost of resident tuition for all courses for which resident tuition is charged. The student is responsible for all other fees, such as special course fees, student activity and facility fees and assessment fees.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
TEACHER SHORTAGE EMPLOYMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TSEIP)
Students must fill out a Participation Agreement Form available through their college or university education department or by calling the State Regents’ Minority Teacher Recruitment Center at 800.858.1840. (Students may sign up as early as their freshman year but should note that teacher employment must be achieved within 16 months of graduating from a four-year institution.)
The participation form must be completed and signed before graduation and submitted to the college or university TSEIP coordinator no later than the date of the student’s graduation from a four-year institution in Oklahoma.
The State Regents’ office will notify applicants of application receipt, educational loan obligations and any qualifying disbursement benefit opportunities through TSEIP.
SPECIAL NOTE: Participants cannot be certified to teach math or science prior to signing the Participation Agreement Form. Applicants must enroll no later than the date of their graduation to be eligible.
E
ligibility
Individuals must declare an intention to teach in Oklahoma • and graduate from an Oklahoma-accredited teacher education program.
Individuals must complete the TSEIP Participation Agreement • no later than the date of their graduation. The agreement form can be obtained from the TSEIP coordinator at each postsecondary institution.
Individuals must maintain satisfactory progress in an academic • program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree in math or science education.
Individuals must complete an approved program of professional • teacher education that includes a student teaching requirement that leads to a certificate to teach math or science at the secondary level.
Alternative or emergency certificates will not qualify.•
Individuals must be employed to teach either science or math in • a secondary classroom at least 75 percent of the time within 16 months of graduating from an accredited university.
Individuals must complete the first full year of eligible full-• time teaching service by 25 months from their graduation date from a four-year college or university.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1225
Photo courtesy of Rose State College.
Awaward Amount
The annual award is based on a formula not to exceed three times the average annual cost of undergraduate resident tuition and fees at institutions that offer teacher education. The amount for the 2008-09 award was $13,602. Students who participate in TSEIP but do not have outstanding loan obligations will receive a cash payment after five years of teaching.
E
ligible Student Loan Programs for TSEITSEITSEIP Reimbursement
Stafford Student Loans/Guaranteed Student Loans•
Perkins/National Direct Student Loans•
Loans made pursuant to the federal Supplemental Loans for • Students program including CLAS
Consolidation Loan Program loans•
Privately funded educational loans issued to students through • colleges or universities
NOTE: Parent Loans for Students (PLUS) are not eligible.
F
or More Information
Contact the education department at your college or university, call the State Regents’ Minority Teacher Recruitment Center at 800.858.1840 or visit the website at www.cashforteachingok.org.
SRE
B ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is an arrangement among Southern states allowing Oklahoma students to pay in-state tuition rates at out-of-state colleges or universities while studying in select programs not available at Oklahoma public institutions. The tuition savings to Oklahoma residents who participate in the ACM, as compared to those who enroll as out-of-state students, vary by institution.
Application
Contact the out-of-state college or university for information concerning admission into programs accessible via the ACM. The number of programs offered through the ACM is frequently updated, so visit the ACM list at http://home.sreb.org/acm/choosestate.aspx for the most recent list of accessible programs. Once you have been unconditionally accepted into one of these programs, complete and submit an ACM Application and Residency Certification Form to the address below, along with a copy of your letter of acceptance/admission into the program. The form can be obtained from the ACM state coordinator for Oklahoma or at www.okhighered.org/acm.
If the program is offered in the ACM inventory, and it is determined that you are a resident of Oklahoma, a letter of certification will be sent to you and a copy provided to the appropriate official at the institution. This will qualify you for a waiver of out-of-state fees.
If there is interest in a program that is not on the current list of available programs, a request may be made that the program be reviewed for possible inclusion. In order to do so, the following must be submitted: a copy of the letter of acceptance into the specific program; the completed Application and Residency Certification Form; and curricular information about the program, including course descriptions and credit hour requirements.
E
ligibility
An individual must demonstrate residence in Oklahoma.•
Students must be accepted into a program of study not offered • at an Oklahoma public college or university and listed in the ACM inventory for Oklahoma residents. ACM guidelines stipulate that only those programs that differ in curricular content by at least 50 percent from programs offered in the state may be included.
Students who still have outstanding “provisions” or conditions • to fulfill their admissions requirements must complete their obligations and provide evidence of full admission before applying for ACM.
Applicants must complete and submit the ACM Application • and Residency Certification Form.
Institutions set policy regarding any institutionally imposed • deadline for the payment of tuition. ACM students not accepted or certified within the deadline for payment may have to wait until the next tuition payment period to receive the out-of-state fee waiver or in-state status. Although Oklahoma accepts ACM applications year-round, you should apply at least two months before institutional deadlines to allow for processing time.
F
or More Information
Debbie Blanke
State Coordinator, Academic Common Market Program
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850
405.225.9170
www.okhighered.org/acmThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1226
S
TAFFORD LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS
The Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers is intended to encourage individuals to enter the teaching profession and serve in designated low-income communities. Under this program, the Department of Education repays all or a portion of a borrower’s Stafford Loan obligations. To be eligible for this forgiveness program, a borrower must be a “new borrower” on or after Oct. 1, 1998, and must teach for five consecutive complete years and meet other requirements. For a complete list of eligibility criteria, borrowers may contact their loan holder or guarantor. For more information, visit www.ocap.org or www.studentaid.ed.gov or call 800.4.FED.AID.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
To apply for federal financial aid (grants, work-study and loans), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after Jan. 1 during your senior year of high school and each year you need aid for college. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov, and families are encouraged to use this method of application (step-by-step instructions are provided on the site). Paper copies may be available from college financial aid offices or high school guidance counselors. Additional information is available at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL PELLELL GRANTNT
The Pell Grant is a need-based grant to help undergraduates pay for their education after high school. The award does not have to be repaid. An undergraduate is a student who has not earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The maximum annual award for the 2011-12 academic year is $5,550, but awards can be less depending on the student’s actual financial need.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL SUSUPPLEMENTLEMENTLEMENTLEMENTLEMENTAL EDUCEDUCEDUCATIONTIONTIONTIONAL OPPORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITY GRANTSNTSNTS (FSEOGFSEOGFSEOGFSEOGFSEOG)
The FSEOG is an assistance program administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school (a campus-based program). The FSEOG is gift aid for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFC) will receive priority. The award amount can be between $100 and $4,000 per year.
TETE
A
CHERCHERCHERCHER
EDUCEDUCEDUCEDUC
A
TIONTIONTIONTION
ASSISTSSISTSSISTSSISTSSISTANCENCENCE FORFORFOR COLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGE ANDND HIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHER EDUCEDUCEDUCATIONTIONTIONTION (TETEACHCH) GRANTNT
The TEACH Grant is authorized in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. It provides grants of $16,000 (up to $4,000 per year) to undergraduate students and $8,000 for graduate students at participating institutions who agree to teach in hard-to-staff fields in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL WORKORK-STUDYSTUDYSTUDYSTUDY
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service employment and work related to the recipient’s course of study. Payment is made by the hour for undergraduates. Graduates can be paid hourly or receive a salary. All students must be paid at least the federal minimum wage.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL PERKINSERKINSERKINSERKINSERKINS LOLOANSNS
Perkins Loans are low-interest (5 percent) loans for undergraduate, graduate and professional students with financial need. These loans are offered through a participating school’s financial aid office, and the school acts as the lender. Up to $5,550 may be borrowed for each year of undergraduate study, while up to $8,000 may be borrowed for each year of graduate or professional study.
DIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECT
SUSUBSIDISIDISIDISIDIZEDED LOLOANSNS
Direct Subsidized Loans are low-interest, need-based loans made to undergraduate, graduate and professional students attending school at least half-time. Interest is paid by the federal government while the borrower is attending school, during the six-month grace period and during specific loan deferment periods. Repayment begins six months following a borrower’s graduation or when the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
DIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECT
UNSUUNSUUNSUUNSUBSIDISIDISIDISIDIZEDED LOLOANSNS
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are low-interest, non-need-based loans made to undergraduate, graduate and professional students attending school at least half-time. Borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on unsubsidized loans from the date the loan is disbursed, including the time that the borrower attends school, during the grace period and during periods of deferment. Repayment begins six months following the borrower’s graduation or when the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Photo courtesy of Eastern Oklahoma State College.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1227
DIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECT
PLUSLUSLUS LOLOANSNS
Direct PLUS Loans are made to parents of dependent undergraduate students and to graduate or professional students. These loans are not based on financial need. The amount that can be borrowed depends on the school’s cost of attendance and any other financial aid that the student may receive, including other loans. Applicants with unfavorable credit histories are usually not eligible for a PLUS loan. Borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on PLUS loans from the date the loan is disbursed, including the time the borrower or student attends school, during the grace period and during periods of deferment. Repayment varies depending on the type of PLUS loan awarded and the loan’s disbursement date.
OKLAHOMA
COLLEGE SAVINGSSAVINGS PLAN
The Oklahoma College Savings Plan provides families with a smart, flexible way to save for their children’s future. The plan offers a choice of investment options, tax advantages and the flexibility of using the savings at any qualified higher education institution both in the United States and abroad.
Advantages of Using the Oklahoma College SaSavings Plan to SaSave for College
Easy to Enroll – New accounts can now be opened online at www.ok4saving.org. Account owners can also make additional contributions or view their account balances online.
Flexibility in Using the Funds – Whether the child decides to go to a private or public college or university, graduate school or any qualified postsecondary institution, funds in the account may be used at any eligible educational institution in the nation and abroad. The savings may be applied toward tuition as well as related expenses, such as books, supplies, required fees, and certain room and board costs.
Choice in Investments – The Oklahoma College Savings Plan offers nine investment choices: a Moderate Managed Allocation; Conservative Managed Allocation; Aggressive Managed Allocation; Guaranteed Option; U.S. Equity Index Option; Diversified Equity Option; Fixed Income Option; Global Equity Option and a Balanced Option. These choices vary in their investment strategy and degree of risk, allowing participants to select the option or options that best fit their needs and investment philosophy. A full description of these investment options is provided in the Program Disclosure Booklet available from the Oklahoma College Savings Plan.
No Income Limits – Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends at any income level may open an account and contribute to the plan on behalf of a beneficiary.
Tax Advantages – The amount a person contributes can be deducted from their Oklahoma taxable income up to a maximum of $10,000 for single filers or $20,000 married couples filing jointly. Contributions will grow free from federal and state income taxes, leaving more money than a similar taxable account. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses will also be free from federal and state income taxes.
Low Minimum Contribution – An account may be opened with a $100 check or money order, electronic funds transfer or automatic contribution plan. Contributions as small as $15 per investment option per pay period can be made using payroll deduction through participating employers. Each account can have only one account owner and one beneficiary. However, separate accounts can be opened for as many different beneficiaries as the participant may wish.
Contribution Limit – There is no annual limit on the amount that may be contributed to an account. However, a lifetime limit applies. In general, a participant may contribute to an account if at the time of the contribution the total balance of all accounts for the beneficiary does not exceed $300,000. The account may continue to grow beyond this limit based on the performance of the investment option(s) that have been selected.
Transferability – If the child or beneficiary decides not to attend a postsecondary institution, the account owner can transfer funds in the account to another eligible beneficiary. To avoid penalty and income tax, the new beneficiary must be a member of the family of the original beneficiary, including siblings, a spouse, first cousins, etc. (as described in the Program Disclosure Booklet).
Professional Money Management – The Oklahoma College Savings Plan is administered by a board of trustees chaired by the state treasurer of Oklahoma. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. (TFI) serves as program manager of the Oklahoma College Savings Plan. TFI, an SEC-registered investment advisor, manages the plan’s investments and provides investment advisory services. TFI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA), an insurance company headquartered in New York. TIAA and its companion organization CREF form a nationally recognized financial services organization with more than $380 billion in assets under management.
Low Cost – An annual asset-based management fee will be paid to TFI to cover the cost of investment management and administrative services. For the Managed Allocation Option and the 100% Equity Option this fee will not exceed 0.65 percent of the average daily net assets so invested, plus the specific investment management fees for the underlying mutual funds as disclosed in the Mutual Funds prospectus. For the Guaranteed Option, TFI will be paid a separate expense fee.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma College Savings Plan
877.OK4SAVING (877.654.7284)
www.ok4saving.orgThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1228
I
s There an Income Limit?
Single tax filers with up to $80,000 of adjusted gross income (AGI) and joint tax filers with up to $160,000 of AGI qualify for the full credit. The tax credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels.
F
or More Information
IRS Help Line
800.829.1040
IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education
www.irs.gov or consult your tax adviser
For More Information
Call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit the website
www.OKcollegestart.org.
Photo courtesy of
Northern Oklahoma College.
FEDERAL HOPE (AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY)
AND
LIFETIME LEARNING TAX CREDITS
If you’re paying for your or your dependent’s college education, there are two tax credits available for you – Hope (American Opportunity) and Lifetime Learning. For tax years 2009 and 2010, the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act replaced the Hope Credit with the American Opportunity Credit.
What’s a TaTax Credit?
A tax credit is better than a deduction. A credit is subtracted directly from your federal income tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This saves you more money than a deduction, which you subtract from your income before you calculate your tax and which yields much less than dollar-for-dollar savings.
Who Gets to Claim the Credit?
If someone claims the student as a dependent for tax purposes, that person, not the student, may receive the tax credit, even if the student files a tax return. Otherwise, only the student may receive the credit.
What’s the Difference Between the Credits?
During 2009 and 2010, the American Opportunity Credit can be claimed for each of the first four years of college or career technology school for classes that lead to a degree or recognized certificate. The student must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for the American Opportunity Credit. The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for any postsecondary education, including graduate and professional school, and unlike the American Opportunity Credit, there is no minimum enrollment. If you qualify for both credits, it will usually be to your advantage to claim the American Opportunity Credit.
What College Costs Qualify?
Qualified expenses include tuition and required fees, minus any grants and scholarships that are received tax-free. Expenses for books and supplies are not included unless they must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment. The costs of room and board, insurance, transportation and medical fees (including health fees) are not qualified expenses, even if required for enrollment.
What’s the American OppOppOpportunity TaTax Credit Worth?
The amount of the credit equals 100 percent of the first $2,000 of qualified expenses plus 25 percent of the second $2,000, for a maximum of $2,500.
What’s the Lifetime Learning Credit Worth?
Beginning in 2003, the credit equals 20 percent of the first $10,000 of qualified expenses, for a maximum of $2,000. Unlike the American Opportunity Credit, this will not be adjusted for inflation.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Why Study in Oklahoma...................................29
Admission Requirements....................................29
English Language Requirements..........................29
Accreditation...................................................29
Housing Information..........................................29
International Student Services.............................29
Costs..............................................................30
Oklahoma Weather..........................................30
Transportation..................................................30
Map of the Contiguous United States..................30
Oklahoma History............................................31
Oklahoma Culture............................................31
Student Populations...........................................32
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1229
Oklahoma extends a special invitation to international students to pursue higher education in our state. Oklahomans are friendly and always ready to welcome people from all over the world.
Wherever you call home, you’ll most certainly find Oklahomans with similar backgrounds and connections. From thriving and prosperous communities of Asian origin throughout Oklahoma, to the descendents of immigrants from eastern and western Europe, Africa, and Latin America, there are many cultures found in every area of Oklahoma.
WHY
STUDY IN OKLAHOMA?
There are many good reasons to choose a school in Oklahoma for your college, university or language study.
Oklahoma has 39 accredited public and independent colleges • and universities. A map of institutions in the state is located on page 1 of this guide.
Oklahoma has 11 approved intensive English language • programs.
Higher education in Oklahoma is affordable. Comparing tuition • costs with similar institutions in other regions of the United States, Oklahoma higher education is a great educational value. Students from moderate-income families are particularly pleased with Oklahoma institutions’ tuition and fee schedules.
The cost-of-living index in Oklahoma is extremely favorable. • Your money goes further because food prices, housing/rental costs, gas/petrol prices, etc. are among the lowest in the nation. Oklahoma provides safe campuses and communities, with crime rates generally lower than other regions.
Oklahoma is the center, the heartland, of our country – offering • a genuine American experience to international students – and is perfectly located for travel, both arriving in the United States and visiting the rest of our country. A map of the United States is available at the end of this section. Oklahoma is culturally diverse with representatives from all major ethnic groups among our citizens. Oklahoma also has a large Native American population and wide access to Native American culture, art, pow-wows and festivals. For more information on Oklahoma, visit www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
For information on admission standards to Oklahoma public institutions, refer to the academic information section of this guide. For information on admission standards for Oklahoma independent institutions, contact the institution(s) directly.
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The State Regents require a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score for admission to a State System institution. Those not meeting these standards must have a minimum score on TOEFL or IELTS and must successfully complete a minimum of 12 weeks of study at an approved intensive English program (IEP). The requirements are as follows:
1. Undergraduate (minimum scores): 500 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 61 on Internet-based TOEFL or 6.0 or higher on IELTS OR 460 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 48 Internet-based TOEFL or 5.0 or higher on IELTS AND completion of 12 weeks of intensive English study.
2. Graduate (minimum scores): 550 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 79 on Internet-based TOEFL or 6.5 on IELTS OR 500 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 61 on Internet-based TOEFL or 5.5 or higher on IELTS AND completion of 12 weeks of intensive English study
These are minimum standards for public institutions. Some institutions have higher standards. See the institution profiles in this g

TOUCH SCREEN Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
The Counselors’
To Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities
paying
for
College
profiles of
c
olleges &
universities
G
etting
R
eady
for College
Choosing
The right
c
ourses
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2011-122011-12
This guide is a project of Oklahoma higher education, produced in coordination with the Communicators Council. Published by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education – September 2011.
ALERT:
This publication was formerly known as The Official Guide to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities.
The Counselors’
To Oklahoma’s Colleges and UniversitiesThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12II
Front row, leftft to right:
Assistant Secretary Mike C. Turpen, Oklahoma City;
Vice Chair Marlin “Ike” Glass, Newkirk; Chair Julie K. Carson, Claremore;
Chancellor Glen D. Johnson; Secretary James D. “Jimmy” Harrel, Leedey
Back row, left to right:
Ronald H. White, M.D., Oklahoma City; Joseph L. Parker Jr., Tulsa;
William Stuart Price, Tulsa; Gen. Toney Stricklin, Lawton; John Massey, Durant
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication, printed by Digital Graphics, is issued by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, as authorized by 70 O.S. 2001, Section 3206. 1,250 copies have been printed at a cost of approximately $6,726. Copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. This publication was produced in September 2011.
O
klahoma StState Regents
For Higher EducationThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12III
t
able of contents
G
eneral Information
College Is Closer Than You Think.....................................1
Getting Ready for College..................................................3
College Speak.....................................................................5
G
etttting Into College
Starting Early.....................................................................11
Cooperative Alliance.........................................................11
What It Takes....................................................................12
Choosing the Right Courses..............................................14
Transferring.......................................................................14
Accreditation......................................................................14
Paying for College
What It Costs....................................................................15
Money for College.............................................................17
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program (OTAG)................17
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG)................18
Oklahoma’s Promise - OHLAP.........................................18
Academic Scholars Program.............................................19
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship...............20
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program..................20
Future Teachers Scholarship Program...............................21
George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship........21
Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program...............22
Heroes Promise.................................................................22
Tuition Waivers.................................................................23
National Guard Tuition Waiver.........................................23
Independent Living Act (Foster Care Tuition Waiver).....24
Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program..........24
SREB Academic Common Market...................................25
Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers............26
Federal Financial Aid Programs.......................................26
Oklahoma College Savings Plan.......................................27
Federal Hope (American Opportunity) and
Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.........................................28
I
nternational StStudents
Why Study in Oklahoma..................................................29
Admission Requirements..................................................29
English Language Requirements......................................29
Accreditation.....................................................................29
Housing Information.........................................................29
International Student Services..........................................29
Costs..................................................................................30
Oklahoma Weather...........................................................30
Transportation...................................................................30
Map of the Contiguous United States...............................30
Oklahoma History..............................................................31
Oklahoma Culture.............................................................31
Student Populations..........................................................32
resources
Calendar of Counselor Mailings.......................................33
Contact Information..........................................................33
College Prep 101...............................................................34
EPAS Quick Glance..........................................................35
EXPLORE/PLAN Teacher Data Training Workshops....36
College Day/Night Programs Master Calendar................37
OCAP Resources..............................................................39
Social Media Resources....................................................40
Helpful Websites................................................................41
OKcOKc
ol
legestart.org
www.OKcollegestart.org...................................................43
Public Colleges, Universities, Technical Branches, Higher Education Centers and Learning Sites
Ardmore Higher Education Center...................................45
Cameron University..........................................................47
Carl Albert State College..................................................49
Connors State College........................................................51
Downtown College Consortium.........................................53
East Central University.....................................................55
Eastern Oklahoma State College......................................57
Langston University..........................................................59
Murray State College.........................................................61
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College............................63
Northeastern State University...........................................65
Northern Oklahoma College.............................................67
Northwestern Oklahoma State University........................69
Oklahoma City Community College.................................71
Oklahoma Panhandle State University.............................73
Oklahoma State University................................................75
OSU Institute of Technology, Okmulgee..........................77
OSU-Oklahoma City........................................................79
OSU-Tulsa..........................................................................81
Redlands Community College..........................................83
Rogers State University.....................................................85
Rose State College............................................................87
Seminole State College.....................................................89
Southeastern Oklahoma State University..........................91
Southwestern Oklahoma State University........................93
Tulsa Community College................................................95
University Center at Ponca City........................................97
University of Central Oklahoma.......................................99
University of Oklahoma...................................................101
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma..................103
Western Oklahoma State College....................................105
I
ndependent Institutions
Bacone College................................................................107
Mid-America Christian University.................................109
Oklahoma Baptist University...........................................111
Oklahoma Christian University.......................................113
Oklahoma City University...............................................115
Oklahoma Wesleyan University.......................................117
Oral Roberts University...................................................119
Southern Nazarene University.........................................121
Southwestern Christian University.................................123
St. Gregory’s University..................................................125
The University of Tulsa...................................................127 The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12IV
counselorinfo@osrhe.edu
c
ollege questions answered promptly
Photo courtesy of East Central University.
have aThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
GENERAL INFORMATION
College Is Closer Than You Think..........................1
Getting Ready for College...................................3
College Speak...................................................5
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
general
The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12 1
college is closer than you think
1. Ardmore Higher Education Center, Ardmore
www.ahec.osrhe.edu | 580.223.1441
2. Cameron University, Lawton
www.cameron.edu | 800.454.7600
3. Cameron University, Duncan
www.cameron.edu/duncan | 877.282.3626
4. Carl Albert State College, Poteau
www.carlalbert.edu | 918.647.1200
5. Carl Albert State College, Sallisaw
www.carlalbert.edu/sallisaw | 918.775.6977
6. Connors State College, Warner
www.connorsstate.edu | 918.463.2931
7. Connors State College, Muskogee
www.connorsstate.edu | 918.687.6747
8. Downtown College Consortium, Oklahoma City
www.downtowncollege.com | 405.232.3382
9. East Central University, Ada
www.ecok.edu | 580.332.8000
10. Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton
www.eosc.edu | 918.465.2361
11. Eastern Oklahoma State College, McAlester
www.eosc.edu/mcalester | 918.426.5272
12. Langston University, Langston
www.langston.edu | 877.466.2231
13. Langston University - Oklahoma City
www.langston.edu/lu-oklahoma_city.aspx | 405.962.1620
14. Langston University - Tulsa
www.langston.edu/lu-tulsa.aspx | 918.877.8100
15. Murray State College, Tishomingo
www.mscok.edu | 800.342.0698
16. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Miami
www.neo.edu | 888.464.6636
17. Northeastern State University, Tahlequah
www.nsuok.edu | 800.722.9614
18. Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow
www.nsuba.edu | 918.449.6000
19. Northeastern State University, Muskogee
www.nsuok.edu/muskogee | 918.683.0040
20. Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa
www.north-ok.edu | 580.628.6200
21. Northern Oklahoma College, Enid
www.north-ok.edu | 580.242.6300
22. Northern Oklahoma College, Stillwater
www.north-ok.edu | 405.744.2246
23. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva
www.nwosu.edu | 580.327.1700
24. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Enid
www.nwosu.edu/Enid | 580.237.0334
25. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Woodward
www.nwosu.edu/Woodward | 580.256.0047
26. Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City
www.occc.edu | 405.682.1611
27. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell
www.opsu.edu | 800.664.6778
28. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
www.okstate.edu | 800.233.5019
Oklahoma Public Colleges, Universities, Technical Branches,
Higher Education Centers and Learning Sites
The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-122
29. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
www.healthsciences.okstate.edu | 800.677.1972
30. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee
www.osuit.edu | 800.722.4471
31. Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
www.osuokc.edu | 800.560.4099
32. Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu | 800.364.0710
33. Redlands Community College, El Reno
www.redlandscc.edu | 866.415.6367
34. Rogers State University, Claremore
www.rsu.edu | 800.256.7511
35. Rogers State University, Bartlesville
www.rsu.edu/bartlesville | 800.256.7511
36. Rogers State University, Pryor
www.rsu.edu/pryor | 918.825.6117
37. Rose State College, Midwest City
www.rose.edu | 866.621.0987
38. Seminole State College, Seminole
www.sscok.edu | 405.382.9950
39. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant
www.se.edu | 800.435.1327
40. Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Idabel
www.se.edu/mccurtain | 888.286.9431
41. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford
www.swosu.edu | 580.772.6611
42. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Sayre
www.swosu.edu/sayre | 580.928.5533
43. Tulsa Community College, Tulsa
www.tulsacc.edu | 918.595.7000
44. University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
www.uco.edu | 405.974.2000
45. University Center at Ponca City
www.ucponcacity.com | 580.762.2856
46. University of Oklahoma, Norman
www.ou.edu | 800.234.6868
47. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
www.ouhsc.edu | 877.577.5655
48. University of Oklahoma – Tulsa
http://tulsa.ou.edu | 918.660.3000
49. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma*
www.usao.edu | 800.933.8726
50. Western Oklahoma State College, Altus
www.wosc.edu | 580.477.2000
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
(Main Campuses)
51. Bacone College, Muskogee
www.bacone.edu | 888.682.5514
52. Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City
www.macu.edu | 888.436.3035
53. Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee
www.okbu.edu | 800.654.3285
54. Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City
www.oc.edu | 800.877.5010
55. Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
www.okcu.edu | 800.633.7242
56. Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville
www.okwu.edu | 800.468.6292
57. Oral Roberts University, Tulsa
www.oru.edu | 800.678.8876
58. Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa
www.ptstulsa.edu | 918.610.8303
59. Southern Nazarene University, Bethany
www.snu.edu | 800.648.9899
60. Southwestern Christian University, Bethany
www.swcu.edu | 888.418.9272
61. St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee
www.stgregorys.edu | 888.784.7347
62. The University of Tulsa, Tulsa
www.utulsa.edu | 800.331.3050
*Oklahoma’s Public Liberal Arts UniversityThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-123
Cooperative Alliance
Allows eligible high school juniors and seniors and adults to earn college credit toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree or a technical college certificate for some courses taught at technology centers statewide. See the Getting Into College section for more information.
Course Transfer
The State Regents provide a course transfer matrix that outlines the 7,500 courses that will transfer among Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities (as well as some private institutions). The information is searchable by year, institution and academic discipline, such as biology or history. For more information, call the Student Transfer Hotline at 800.858.1840 or visit www.okcoursetransfer.org.
G
aining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
Administered by the State Regents, this federally funded program is designed to better prepare middle and high school students for college through academic preparation programs and scholarships for students, professional development activities for educators, and college access information for students and parents. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9191 in Oklahoma City or visit www.okhighered.org/gearup.
L
eadership Education and AcAchievement Program (LEAP)
LEAP, a yearlong course, provides eighth- and ninth-grade-level students the knowledge and skills with which to make education, career and life plans, and facilitates an understanding of the long-term consequences of the choices they make today. LEAP uses a research-based curriculum with a goal of increasing school retention and the success rate of students. LEAP is offered by the Minority Teacher Recruitment Center. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9198 in Oklahoma City or visit the MTRC website at www.okhighered.org/mtrc.
O
klahoma College Savings Plan
To help families save for college, Oklahoma has created a savings program that offers tax advantages and a low start-up investment of $100 and contributions as small as $15 per investment option per pay period through payroll deduction. Funds can be withdrawn as needed and used for college expenses at nearly all colleges and universities in the United States. For more information, call 877.654.7284 or visit www.ok4saving.org.
College is an investment in your future that you SHOULD be planning for now. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers many FREE resources to help you and your family consider college options and plan for your future education needs. Many of the programs and resources are listed below. To get more information or a copy of the brochures, visit www.OKcollegestart.org, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC) or email your request to studentinfo@osrhe.edu.
Ac
ademic Commitment to Education (ACE)
A program targeted to those high school students who possess high academic and leadership standards. The ACE curriculum is designed as a “grow your own” teacher recruitment program that includes a teaching internship. However, those who do not become educators evolve into strong advocates for teachers and proponents for education. ACE is offered by the Minority Teacher Recruitment Center. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9198 in Oklahoma City or visit the MTRC website at www.okhighered.org/mtrc.
A
dvanced Placement Courses (AP)
Allow students to take college-level course work in high school and receive credit at Oklahoma colleges and universities. See the Getting Into College section for more information.
Concurrent Enrollment
Allows eligible junior and senior high school students to take credit-earning college courses. See the Getting Into College section for more information.
These will help
Photo courtesy of East Central University.
getting ready for collegeThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-124
O
klahoma Educational Planning and Assessment System (OK EPAS)
Tests students in the eighth (EXPLORE) and 10th grade (PLAN) to assess their progress in core academic courses, as well as career interests, and provides feedback to schools, students and parents. Participation in OK EPAS is voluntary and free to school districts and students. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9320 in Oklahoma City or visit www.okhighered.org/epas.
O
klahoma Money Matters (OKMM)
A financial education initiative of the State Regents and Oklahoma College Assistance Program, formerly known as the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program, OKMM offers information, resources and a variety of services to help students, adults and families successfully manage personal finances, understand consumer credit issues and navigate the financial aid process. For more information, call 800.970.OKMM or 234.4457 in Oklahoma City, or visit www.oklahomamoneymatters.org.
O
klahoma’s Promise (Oklahoma Higher
L
earning Access Program)
Awards scholarships to students whose families meet certain income requirements and who have demonstrated a commitment to academic preparation in high school. Students must sign up for the program in the eighth, ninth or 10th grade (home-schooled students must be age 13, 14 or 15). There are additional academic and financial requirements to keep the scholarship during college. For more information, call 800.858.1840 or 225.9152 in Oklahoma City or visit www.okpromise.org.
St
udent Information Hotline
Provides information on financial aid, admission requirements, placement scores and more. Call 800.858.1840 or 225.9239 in Oklahoma City or email studentinfo@osrhe.edu.
CHECK IT OUT
GEAR
UP Guides for Parents of 8th Graders, 9th-10th Graders and 11th-12th Graders
Includes information on the important role parents play in preparing their children for college, the economic benefits of obtaining a college degree, the high school courses required for college entry, admission standards, college costs and financial aid. In addition, the guides have a list of activities parents can do with their children to help them prepare for college. The grade-specific guides are provided to parents in the winter.
G
rant and Scholarship Programs Booklet
Grant and scholarship programs administered by the State Regents.
The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities
Provides a profile on each college and university in Oklahoma and includes information on preparing for college, college costs and financial aid. These books are provided to high school counselors in the late summer.
OKc
ollegestart.org
Provides information on admission requirements, financial aid, college costs and more for students, parents and counselors. Students can search by keywords and receive personalized results to compare colleges. Information is also available in Spanish. Visit the site at www.OKcollegestart.org. See the OKcollegestart.org section for more information.
O
klahoma’s Promise Flyer
Explains the requirements and benefits of Oklahoma’s Promise, which awards scholarships to students with financial need who have demonstrated a commitment to academic success in high school. Posters and application forms are also available. Materials are provided to counselors in late summer for distribution to eighth-, ninth- and 10th-grade students and are also available in Spanish.
O
klahoma’s Promise Toolkit
Oklahoma’s Promise is developing a toolkit to assist counselors in helping students succeed in the program. The toolkit will include templates and tips for communicating with students and their parents, along with best practices gathered from counselors across the state. Counselors, look for the toolkit in your mailbox later this year!
Preparing for College Brochures
Outlines the required courses students must take in high school to be admitted to an Oklahoma state college or university, admission standards, financial aid information and more. Brochures are provided to counselors in late summer for distribution to eighth- through 12th-grade students.
O
rdering publications
Publications are available for download on Oklahoma higher education’s website at www.okhighered.org. For more information or to order materials, call the State Regents’ toll-free hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email your request to studentinfo@osrhe.edu or write:
Education and Career Information Services Center
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-125
Ac
ademic Adviser
The person at a college or university who helps students decide what classes to take, what major to pursue, etc. An adviser is similar to a high school guidance counselor.
Ac
ademic Forgiveness
Ways for students to recover from academic problems without forever jeopardizing academic standing. Repeating courses, reprieving semesters and renewing all course work prior to a certain date are types of academic forgiveness provisions.
Ac
ademic Service Fees
Fees assessed students for certain courses of instruction or academic services in addition to tuition and mandatory fees. These services may include, but are not limited to, special instruction, testing, and obtaining laboratory supplies and materials.
Ac
ademic Term
The time duration of a course schedule, generally a fall or spring semester consisting of 16 weeks, a summer session consisting of four or eight weeks, or an intersession consisting of the weeks between a semester and/or session.
Acc
reditation
The process used by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education or other entities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure postsecondary education providers meet and maintain minimum standards of quality and integrity regarding academics, administration and related services.
A
dmission Requirements
Students wanting to attend an Oklahoma college or university must meet certain requirements, such as achieving a specified ACT or SAT score or combination of high school GPA and rank in class, taking specified high school courses, etc., to be considered for admission.
A
dvanced Placement Courses
Courses that allow students to take college-level course work in high school and receive credit at Oklahoma colleges and universities.
A
ssociate Degree
A degree given upon completion of two years of full-time study (at least 60 credit hours) or the equivalent. Most associate degrees are awarded by two-year colleges, although some four-year universities also offer associate degrees. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recognize three types of associate degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science. Some associate degrees transfer to four-year universities (A.A., A.S.); others are for career preparation (A.A.S.).
A
ssociate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
Typically, a credential requiring two years of full-time equivalent college work (at least 60 credit hours) that emphasizes an occupational specialty and is designed to lead the individual directly to employment (typically does not transfer to universities).
Bachelor’s Degree
Also referred to as a baccalaureate degree. Given upon completion of four years of full-time study (at least 120 credit hours) or the equivalent. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recognize three types of bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of (Specialty).
Certificate
Recognition awarded for an organized program of study that does not lead to an academic degree.
Class Rank
Ranking of a student within a high school graduating class based upon his or her high school GPA.
College
A higher education institution that generally offers associate, or two-year, degrees but does not offer bachelor’s- or graduate-level programs.
c
ollege speak
Photo courtesy of Rogers State University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-126
College Catalog
An online or printed booklet published by an individual college or university to provide detailed descriptions of course and degree offerings, fees, academic policies and requirements for graduation.
Community College
Also known as a “two-year college,” a community college grants associate degrees for transfer to universities or for career preparation. Community colleges usually offer flexible class schedules with smaller class sizes. They are known as open-door institutions because performance standards (standardized test scores or combination of class rank and GPA) are not required for admission.
Commuter College
A college at which students live off campus and travel to campus for classes.
Concurrent Enrollment
A program that allows eligible high school students (juniors and seniors) to take credit-earning college courses.
Cooperative Alliance
A formal State Regents-approved agreement between a state higher education institution and a state technology center to offer courses leading to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or a technical college certificate for some courses taught at technology centers statewide. A.A.S. degree programs may or may not apply to a bachelor’s degree. College credit is awarded only by the higher education institution.
Course of Study
A sequentially organized series of educational experiences designed to culminate in the awarding of an academic degree or certificate. The terms “instructional program,” “academic program” and “course of study” are considered synonymous.
Credit Hour
Credit given for attending one lecture hour of class each week for 16 weeks or equivalent. Most college classes are three credit hours, meaning the total meeting time for a week is three hours. To calculate the cost for one course, multiply the number of credit hours the class is worth by the total tuition and mandatory fees per credit hour.
Cumulative GPA (GPA)
The average of a college student’s earned grades calculated by point values assigned to letter grades that include grades for all attempted regularly graded course work, including activity courses and forgiven course work. This GPA may be used for financial aid or eligibility purposes, for admission to graduate or professional programs, or to determine eligibility for graduation honors. Also see Retention/Graduation GPA.
Curricular Deficiencies
High school curricular requirements required for college admission that have not been met by the student in high school.
Curricular Requirements
The 15 units of high school course work required for college admission to public colleges and universities in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
D
egree
An academic credential conferred by a college or university as official recognition for the successful completion of an instructional program.
D
ependent Person
One who is under the care, custody and support of a parent or legal guardian.
D
iploma
A formal document issued by an institution that certifies a student has successfully completed an instructional program.
D
istance Education
Learning that normally occurs in a different location than teaching and, as a result, requires special techniques of course design and instruction and special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements.
D
rop Period
In general, the first one-eighth of an academic term.
E
lective Courses
Courses that fulfill the “Other” high school units to meet the total of 15 required for college admission by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
E
lectronic Media
Includes courses and programs offered through videotape, CD-ROM, telecourses, web (online), Interactive Television or other digital methodologies.
E
nglish as a Second Language (ESL)
Designation for students, programs and courses of non-native speakers of English.
E
ntry-Level Assessment and Placement
An evaluation conducted prior to enrollment that assists institutional faculty and counselors in making decisions that give students the best possible chance of success in attaining academic goals.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-127
E
xtrainstitutional Learning
Learning attained outside the sponsorship of legally authorized and accredited postsecondary institutions. Applies to learning acquired from work and life experiences, independent reading and study, the mass media, and participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business, government, industry, the military and unions.
Fall Semester
An academic term that begins mid- to late-August or early September and ends in December.
First-Time-Entering Student
A student with six or fewer attempted credit hours, excluding remedial/developmental (zero-level courses) or pre-college work and excluding credit hours accumulated by concurrently enrolled high school students.
Full-Time Student
An undergraduate student enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester in an academic year or a minimum of six credit hours in a summer session or a graduate student enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours per semester in an academic year or a minimum of four credit hours in a summer session. The definition of full-time summer enrollment for financial aid purposes may be different, so check with the financial aid office at the college or university you’re considering.
G
eneral Educational Development Test (GED)
Recognized high school diploma equivalency exam.
G
raduate Student
A student working toward a master’s or doctoral degree.
H
igh ScSchool GPA
Average of all grades earned in the ninth through 12th grades.
H
igher Education Center
Institution with flexible admission standards that provides higher education opportunities to citizens in the areas surrounding the center. The center works with various colleges and universities to provide undergraduate and graduate courses, and students can earn associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
I
ndependent (Private) Colleges and Universities
A private, denominational or other two-year or four-year college or university that offers courses beyond the 12th grade for which students earn credit and that may be applied to satisfy the requirements for an associate, bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree. Independent colleges and universities are not supported by state taxes and are not for profit. They receive the bulk of their revenues from tuition, donations and grants.
I
ndependent Person
One enjoying majority privileges (or legally emancipated from the parental domicile) and who is responsible for his or her own care, custody and support.
I
ntensive English Program (IEP)
A program designed to provide English instruction for non-native speakers to adequately prepare them for collegiate-level instruction in a short period of time.
I
nternational English Language Testing
System (IElts)
The British Council’s English language assessment primarily used by those seeking international education, professional recognition, benchmarking to international standards and global mobility.
I
ntersession
Academic terms shorter than a traditional semester or summer session, generally between semesters or between the summer session and spring and fall semesters.
L
earning Site
A site designated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education with the function and responsibility of ensuring that higher education needs are met either through programs offered by a designated institution or imported courses from other institutions.
L
ower-Division Course Work
Courses generally taken in the freshman and sophomore year and numbered at the 1000 and 2000 levels.
M
ajor
An academic subject area such as economics or geology in which students take many courses and choose to earn a degree.
Photo courtesy of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-128
M
andatory Fees
Fees required of all students for enrollment at an Oklahoma higher education institution and used to support the institution and support service facilities. Mandatory fees include, but are not limited to, library fees, technology services fees, student activity fees and assessment fees.
M
inor
An area of interest studied at the same time as a major. It requires fewer courses than a major.
Part-Time Student
A student who is enrolled in a certain number of course credits or hours which are less than full time. For an undergraduate student, this is usually less than 12 credits or hours. For a graduate student, it is usually less than nine credits or hours.
Prerequisite
A course which a student must take before he or she can enroll in another (usually more challenging) course.
Program
A sequentially organized series of courses and other educational experiences designed to culminate in an academic degree or certificate. The terms “instructional program,” “academic program” and “course of study” are considered synonymous.
R
ecognized National Accrediting Agency
An accrediting agency that is recognized by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority as to the quality of higher education institutions under Code of Federal Regulations 34 CFR, Part 602. The secretary periodically publishes in the Federal Register a list of recognized accrediting agencies and the scope of each agency’s recognition, i.e., the types of institutions the agency may accredit, the degrees and certificates awarded, the geographic area, and the preaccreditation status(es) that the secretary has approved for recognition.
R
egional Accrediting Agency
A nationally recognized accrediting agency whose geographic scope has been defined by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to include at least three states that are contiguous or in close proximity to one another. Regional accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental organization that establishes criteria for educational quality in the geographic region. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (HLC) accredits public and private/independent institutions in Oklahoma. The HLC evaluates institutions based on Eligibility Requirements (ER) and the Criteria for Accreditation and accredits those institutions that meet these requirements.
R
egional University
A university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and in some instances, associate or professional degrees. While regional universities focus primarily on instruction, they are also responsible for extension and public service, as well as some research. They tend to have mid-sized student populations and campuses.
R
emedial/Developmental Courses
Zero-level courses that do not carry college credit and are designed to raise students’ competency in the subject area to the collegiate level.
R
esearch University
A university that grants bachelor’s, graduate and professional degrees and offers a wide variety of courses and degree programs. Along with instruction, research institutions also focus on research, extension and public service. Research universities usually have large student bodies and expansive campuses. Oklahoma’s two research universities are Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.
R
esident
One who has lived continuously in a state for at least 12 months duration and whose domicile is in that state. A person’s domicile is his or her true, fixed, permanent home or habitation. It is the place where he or she intends to remain and to which he or she expects to return. A person can have more than one residence, but only one domicile. Domicile has two components: residence and the intention to remain. When these two occur, domicile is established.
R
esidential College
A college at which students may live on campus in dormitories or apartments.
R
etention/Graduation Grade Point
A
verage (GPA)
The average of a college student’s earned grades calculated by point values assigned to letter grades that is used to determine a student’s eligibility to remain enrolled or graduate from an institution. Activity courses and forgiven course work are not calculated in the retention/graduation GPA. This GPA may be used for financial aid or eligibility
Photo courtesy of the University of Oklahoma.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-129
purposes, admission to graduate or professional programs, or to determine eligibility for graduation honors. Also see Cumulative GPA.
S
emester
Calendar system used by colleges and universities. The standard and traditional academic calendar unit which consists of a minimum of 16 weeks, excluding enrollment, orientation and scheduled breaks.
Sp
ecialty Accrediting Agency
An agency, recognized by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, that conducts accrediting activities to evaluate the quality of academic programs in specific programmatic areas.
Sp
ring Semester
An academic term that begins in January and ends prior to the first of June.
St
andardized Test (ACT or SAT)
Test used by colleges and universities to evaluate an applicant’s academic skills and abilities. The standardized tests most widely used by colleges and universities are the ACT and SAT. Oklahoma state colleges and universities rely primarily on the ACT.
St
ate (Public) Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities that receive funding from state taxes to pay part of operating costs.
S
ubject Area Test
Standardized tests given by the ACT program in math, science, reading and English. Public colleges and universities look at these test scores when helping students enroll in courses.
S
ummer Session
An academic term that begins about the last week in May or the first week in June and ends late July or early August.
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
An academic discipline for preparation of teachers who will teach English to non-native English speakers.
Technical Branch
Institution that has a special emphasis on education and training in technical fields. Some technical branches offer academic courses and programs, but not all institutions offer two-year programs (non-technical) that lead to an associate degree that transfers to universities. Oklahoma’s two technical branches are Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee and OSU-Oklahoma City.
Technical-Occupational Program
Vocational-education program offered by an institution of higher education with curricular patterns designed to focus on a specific career and lead to direct employment in that career field.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Educational Testing Service’s exam that measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings.
Traditional Off-Campus Courses and Programs
Courses taught for credit at a location that is remote from the main campus of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education college or university and is not considered part of the college’s or university’s physical plant.
Transcript
Official document, issued by an institution, with student information that is a complete and accurate reflection of a student’s academic career. Includes information such as cumulative and retention/graduation GPAs, semesters of attendance, courses taken, grades and credit hours earned, degrees received, academic standing, academic honors and transfer information.
Transfer Credit
Credits earned by students at institutions accredited by a regional accrediting agency or by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are accepted for transfer at face value into like programs at institutions in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education (and on a voluntary basis by private/independent institutions) consistent with the State Regents’ Undergraduate Transfer and Articulation Policy. Credits earned by a student at an institution accredited by a recognized national accrediting agency may be reviewed on a course-by-course basis for possible transfer to an institution in the State System (and on a voluntary basis by private/independent institutions).
Transfer Student
Any undergraduate student with greater than six attempted credit hours, excluding remedial/developmental (zero-level courses) or pre-college work and excluding credit hours accumulated by concurrently enrolled high school students.
Photo courtesy of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1210
Trimester
Calendar system used primarily by the state’s technical branches. Classes and grade reports are divided into three periods, each lasting about 10 weeks.
Tuition
Payment that students make to cover costs of their classes at public and private colleges and universities. Other fees may be also required.
Two-Year College
See Community College.
U
ndergraduate Student
A student working toward an associate or a bachelor’s degree or a certificate.
Photo courtesy of Northeastern State University.
U
niversity
A higher education institution that usually offers bachelor’s degrees, as well as degrees beyond the baccalaureate level (i.e. graduate and professional degrees). They may also offer associate degrees.
Upp
er-Division Course Work
Courses generally taken in the junior and senior year and numbered at the 3000 and 4000 levels.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
GETTING INTO COLLEGE
Starting Early....................................................11
Cooperative Alliance.........................................11
What It Takes...................................................12
Choosing the Right Courses................................14
Transferring.....................................................14
Accreditation...................................................14
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
GETTING INTO COLLEGEThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1211
Oklahoma higher education provides opportunities for students to get a head start on college by earning college credit while they are still in high school. These programs give high school students the chance to try college-level work and, in turn, increase their subject matter knowledge, gain valuable skills, improve their study habits and save time and money in college. Get a jump on college by asking your counselor for more information or by visiting www.OKcollegestart.org.
Public Colleges and Universities
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to take high school courses with college-level rigor while in high school and receive credit from Oklahoma state colleges and universities based on AP examination scores. Students are encouraged to take AP courses to prepare for college-level study. There may be a fee charged to take an AP test.
C
oncurrent Enrollment
Oklahoma colleges and universities offer outstanding high school students the opportunity to get a head start on college. Students who meet admission standards can participate in concurrent enrollment and earn college credit while in school. Students participating in home-school instruction may enroll concurrently under the same admission standards. By policy, 17-year-old home-schooled students are classified seniors, and 16-year-old students are classified as juniors. High school seniors may be eligible for a tuition waiver of up to six credit hours per semester for their concurrent courses at Oklahoma colleges and universities.
C
ooperative Alliance
Some higher education institutions, in partnership with Oklahoma’s career technology centers, offer high school students and adults an opportunity to earn college credit toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or a technical college certificate for some courses taught at technology centers statewide. For more information about early college credit, see the Cooperative Alliance section below.
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
AP and concurrent enrollment requirements and programs for independent institutions (not tax supported, nonprofit) may vary. Check with the institution you plan to attend for additional information.
starting early
The Cooperative Alliance program allows qualified high school (or home-schooled) students to literally be in two places at once. Students can complete high school studies while earning college credit toward an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree by successfully completing courses at technology centers and colleges in Oklahoma.
A.A.S. courses, taught at technology centers, have been evaluated by higher education faculty and administrators and determined to qualify for college credit.
What is an A.A.S. (Workforce) Degree?
The A.A.S. is a two-year degree awarded by an Oklahoma public college or university. It is designed for students who are interested in employment in a specific career. As a workforce degree, the technical college courses are specific to the A.A.S. and are not intended to transfer to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. However, some credit may apply to a specific Bachelor of Technology degree. You should speak with your guidance counselor or adviser if you have any questions about career plans and appropriate college degrees.
What does it cost?
To cover campus-based academic and administrative services, an $8 per credit hour fee is charged by the college or university that is granting the college credit.
H
ow do I enroll?
When you enroll in a Cooperative Alliance course at a technology center and want college credit, you will go through the college admissions process.
To be admitted to the Cooperative Alliance program, you must be a high school junior or senior or be at least 16 years old and receiving high school-level instruction at home. You must also have a high school GPA of 2.5, a PLAN score of 15 or an ACT score of 19.
Grades earned while taking college credit courses become a part of your permanent transcript, and you must maintain a 2.0 GPA in your college-level courses to remain in good standing and maintain eligibility.
You must also complete an admissions application, have a signed “Parental/Guardian Consent Letter” and a signed “Student Statement of Understanding.” To get the process started, speak with your high school guidance counselor or a technology center’s Cooperative Alliance coordinator.
Through the Cooperative Alliance program, all 29 career technology centers in Oklahoma participate as partners with 18 colleges and universities throughout the state. You can find a complete list at www.okhighered.org/alliances.
COOPERATIVE ALLIANCEThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1212
Courses to Take
Listed in the table below are the courses you must take if you want to go to an Oklahoma state college or university. These courses will also help you prepare for on-the-job success if you decide to jump straight into the job market after high school. Note: Requirements may change, so check with your counselor for details.
Oklahoma’s Promise (Oklahoma’s Higher Learning Access Program) course requirements are consistent with college admission requirements, except Oklahoma’s Promise students must take additional courses. Please see the information about Oklahoma’s Promise in the Money for College section for more details.
Suggestion for Success: Colleges and universities also recommend, but do not require, that you take an additional unit in laboratory science, an additional unit in math, plus two units in speech or fine arts (music, art, drama).
Public College and University Admission Requirements
what it takes
Courses Units Examples
English 4 grammar, composition and literature
Math 3 Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, math analysis, trigonometry, pre-
calculus (must ha
ve completed geometry and Algebra II), calculus,
Advanced Placement statistics
Lab Science 3 biology, chemistry, physics or any lab science certified by school district;
general science courses don’
t qualify
History and 3 must include one unit of American history and two units from the subjects
Citizenship Skills of history, economics, geography, government and/or non-Western culture
Other 2 from any of the course units listed above or computer science or foreign
language units
TOTAL 15
G
rades to Make
When you apply for admission to an Oklahoma state college or university, the institution will look at your score on a national test (ACT or SAT); your high school GPA and its ranking within your high school class; and/or your GPA in the 15 core courses required for college entry.
Note: Requirements may change, so see your counselor for up-to-date information. Also, concurrent enrollment and Cooperative Alliance enrollment by high school students may have different standards. If you want to go to a state university but do not meet the course and grade requirements, see your counselor.
Four additional units are also recommended for college preparation: 1 unit of mathematics, 1 unit of laboratory science, and 2 units of speech or fine arts (music, art, or drama). First-time entering students must meet assessment requirements before enrolling in college-level courses. See the State Regents’ Assessment Policy for more information.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma��s Colleges and Universities 2011-1213
O
klahoma State College and University Admission Standards for Fall 2012
College/university option 1 option 2 option 31
Oklahoma State 24 ACT or 1090 SAT 3.0 GPA and rank 3.0 GPA in 15-unit core
University2 in top 33% of class and 21 ACT or 980 SAT
University of Oklahoma3 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and 3.0 GPA and rank 3.0 GPA in 15-unit core
(OK residents) 3.0 GPA or top 50% of class in top 25% of class and 22 ACT or 1020 SAT
University of Science 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and 3.0 GPA and rank 3.0 GPA in 15-unit core
and Arts of Oklahoma 3.0 GPA or top 50% of class in top 25% of class and 22 ACT or 1020 SAT
All Other Regional 20 ACT or 940 SAT 2.7 GPA and rank 2.7 GPA in 15-unit core
Universities in top 50% of class
Community Colleges No minimum required. You don’t need to make certain scores, but you should take required high school classes AND graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED and take the ACT exam.
1Additional weighting (1.0) will be added to GPAs of students who take Advanced Placement and higher-level International Baccalaureate courses.
2A fourth option is available at OSU. Students who score between current OSU admission standards and the minimum State Regents’ standards – 22 ACT/1020 SAT or unweighted high school core curriculum GPA of at least 3.0 – may undergo a review of cognitive and non-cognitive factors. Cognitive factors include noted academic admission standards; quality, quantity and level of coursework throughout the entire high school program; completion of a progressively challenging math sequence, demonstrated by performance; and class rank taken in context with academic rigor and class size of high school attended. Non-cognitive factors include positive self-concept, realistic self-appraisal, long-term goals, leadership experience, community and knowledge in an acquired field. Cognitive factors will be weighted at 60 percent and non-cognitive at 40 percent.
3Students meeting the following requirements under each admission option will be placed on a waiting list and evaluated according to stated policy: Option 1--students with the required ACT score but less than a 3.0 GPA and lower than the top 50 percent of the high school class; Option 2--students in the top 26-30 percent of their high school class with at least a 3.0 GPA; and Option 3--all students.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
I
ndependent College and University Admissions Requirements
Course and grade requirements for independent institutions (not tax supported, nonprofit) vary, so check the Independent Institutions section of this book or see your counselor.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1214
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits all Oklahoma public, and some independent, colleges and universities.
An institution’s accreditation may affect your ability to transfer courses and your employment choices in the future.
Check with the institution you plan to attend and ask about accreditation.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
Public Colleges and Universities
After you have been accepted to an Oklahoma state college or university, your academic adviser will help you get a good start by ensuring that you enroll in the right courses for your skill or knowledge level. Your ACT subject test scores in science, mathematics, reading and English will be reviewed.
Generally, if you scored a 19 or higher on a subject test, you will be placed in a college-level course for that subject area. If you scored below 19 on a subject test, you may undergo additional testing in that area. If that test shows you are not yet ready for college-level work, you will be placed in a remedial course designed to increase your requisite knowledge in that specific content area. Remedial courses are designed to increase success in college, but remember,
Public Colleges and Universities
During your college career, you may decide to transfer from one Oklahoma college or university to another. Information gathered by Oklahoma public colleges and universities indicates that, based on junior- and senior-level GPAs, transfer students perform comparable to students who stay at the same college or university.
If you decide to transfer to a four-year university with an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree (two-year degrees), Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education policy ensures that these degrees will satisfy all freshman and sophomore general education requirements at the four-year university. If you transfer to another college before you complete an associate degree, your general education courses will be reviewed for matches to those at the college to which you transferred.
If you are seeking an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, you will need to take at least 37 hours of required courses in English, literature, math, science, history, government and the arts. If you are seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, you will need to take a minimum of 40 hours of required courses in these subjects.
To help you during the transfer process, course transfer information is posted at www.okcoursetransfer.org. Most state colleges and universities distribute lists of courses that will transfer among and meet degree requirements at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities. In addition, each bachelor’s degree-granting university lists the requirements for each of its bachelor’s degree programs and publicizes those requirements for use by all other colleges and universities.
For more information,visit www.okcoursetransfer.org, see your counselor or call the Student Transfer Hotline at 800.583.5883 (225.9163 in OKC) or check with the institution to which you plan to eventually transfer.
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
Transfer guidelines may vary from institution to institution. Check with the institution you wish to attend for additional information.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
c
hoosing the right courses
t
ransferringremedial courses do not count toward a degree due to the course being below college level. It is best to prepare for college while you are in high school, so when you get to college, you can focus your time and money on getting your college degree.
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in OKC), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.
I
ndependent Colleges and Universities
Placement policies may differ for independent colleges and universities (not tax supported, nonprofit). Check with the institution you wish to attend for additional information.
accreditationThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
What It Costs...................................................15
Money for College...........................................17
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
PAYING FOR COLLEGEThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1215
College expenses vary depending on the type of college or university, the number of courses a student takes, a student’s major and his or her personal lifestyle, among other factors.
A significant expense for most college students is the cost of classes. Students pay tuition and mandatory fees to cover costs such as professors’ salaries, classroom and laboratory equipment, classroom maintenance and utility costs.
Tuition and mandatory fees at Oklahoma state colleges and universities are considerably lower than average tuition at similar institutions in other states. Mandatory fees include, but are not limited to, library fees, technology services fees, student activity fees and assessment fees.
In addition, some academic courses also charge academic service fees for the use of equipment and facilities, private instruction and testing/clinical services.
The chart below provides an estimate of annual college costs for an undergraduate resident student carrying 15 hours per semester at a state college or university during the 2011-12 academic year. Though subject to change, the costs can serve as a basis for estimating college expenses.
Independent colleges and universities (not tax supported, nonprofit) are generally more expensive than state colleges and universities, so review the independent college and university pages in this guide or check with your counselor for an estimate of costs.
WHA
T IT COSTS
2011-12 ES TIMA TED STUDEN T COS TS FOR RESIDEN T STUDEN TS
AT OKLAHOMA PUBLI C COLEGES AND UNIVERSI TIES
E
xpenses Research Universities Regional Universities Community Colleges Technical Branches
Tuition $4,076 $3,537 $2,206 $2,802
Mandatory Fees $3,040 $1,155 $819 $828
Average Academic Service Fees $858 $292 $60 $113
Room and Board* $6,880 $4,543 $4,437 $5,030
Books and Supplies $1,042 $1,105 $1,230 $1,620
Total $15,896 $10,632 $8,752 $10,393
*Room and board costs are based on a student living in a traditional dormitory with a roommate and a board (meal) plan. The costs represent the preferred room and board plan available on each campus. Many institutions offer a wide variety of room and board plans that may be more or less than the amount reported above.
Photo courtesy of Cameron University.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1216
OKLAHOMA
PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Tuition and Mandatory Fees Per Credit Hour for 2011-12 (Oklahoma Residents)
Research Universities FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater and Tulsa 003170 $143.45 $93.45
University of Oklahoma, Norman 003184 $128.30 $109.18
OU Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City and Tulsa 005889 $128.30 $69.33
Regional Universities FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
Cameron University, Lawton and Duncan 003150 $103.50 $49.50
East Central University, Ada 003154 $114.81 $40.30
Langston University, Langston 003157 $97.00 $40.05
LU, Oklahoma City 003157 $97.00 $31.05
LU, Tulsa 003157 $97.00 $35.55
Northeastern State University,
Tahlequah, Broken Arrow and Muskogee 003161 $116.50 $36.90
Northwestern Oklahoma State University,
Alva, Enid and Woodward 003163 $132.25 $20.75
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell 003174 $104.50 $66.80
Rogers State University, Bartlesville, Claremore and Pryor 003168 $100.75 $58.45
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant 003179 $137.55 $22.55
SEOSU, Idabel (Lower-Division Courses) 003179 $137.55 $0.00
SEOSU Aviation Program at OCCC 003179 $173.00 $0.00
SEOSU, Grayson County, Texas 003179 $120.75 $0.00
Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford 003181 $122.00 $31.00
SWOSU, Sayre 003181 $122.00 $26.00
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond 003152 $139.20 $18.05
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha 003167 $129.00 $39.00
Community Colleges FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
Carl Albert State College, Poteau and Sallisaw 003176 $55.00 $28.00
Connors State College, Warner and Muskogee 003153 $70.14 $29.75
Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton and McAlester 003155 $79.47 $27.20
Murray State College, Tishomingo 003158 $92.00 $14.67
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Miami 003160 $67.85 $31.98
Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa and Enid 003162 $61.80 $23.95
NOC, Stillwater 003162 $61.80 *$90.27
Oklahoma City Community College 010391 $71.55 $23.45
Redlands Community College, El Reno 003156 $106.00 $0.00
Rose State College, Midwest City 009185 $75.00 $19.97
Seminole State College, Seminole 003178 $68.55 $39.15
Tulsa Community College 009763 $72.55 $29.45
Western Oklahoma State College, Altus 003146 $62.50 $32.85
Technical Branches FAFSA Number Tuition Mandatory Fees
OSU Institute of Technology, Okmulgee (Lower-Division Courses) 003172 $101.50 $33.50
OSU-Oklahoma City (Lower-Division Courses) 009647 $85.30 $21.67
Higher Education Center Tuition Mandatory Fees
Ardmore Higher Education Center, Ardmore (Lower-Division Courses) $120.00 $3.67
*NOC, Stillwater has $1,110 mandatory pass-through fees to OSU
For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit www.OKcollegestart.org.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1217
College is an investment in your future that you should be planning for now. You are fortunate to live in Oklahoma, where state colleges and universities are among the most affordable in the nation. Plus, Oklahoma has many resources available to help you and your family plan for and manage the cost of earning a college degree.
Did you know that during 2008-09 students attending Oklahoma public and independent (private) colleges and universities received financial aid totaling $1.5 billion? There is a good chance you will qualify for financial aid!
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
Fortunately, there are many kinds of student financial aid to help you and your family manage the cost of college. While your high school guidance counselor can give you specific financial aid information, the following are some general sources of financial aid.
Scholarships – awards given for a variety of reasons, such as good grades, special talents or career plans
Grants – aid that’s based on financial need and that doesn’t have to be repaid
Work-study (student employment) – money you earn for college by working part time at the college or university you are attending or at an approved off-campus worksite in the community
Loans – borrowed money that you must repay over time, with interest
GE
TTING FINANCIAL AID
One way to get started on a financial plan for college is to take advantage of a free online service called the ACT Financial Aid Need Estimator at www.act.org/fane. The estimator can help your family plan to meet college costs at specific institutions by estimating your family’s contribution, your eligibility for federal need-based financial aid and the amount of other financial aid you will need.
Here are five more helpful tips for locating sources of financial aid:
To apply for federal financial aid (grants, work-study and loans) 1. and the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) program, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after Jan. 1 during your senior year in high school and each year you need aid in college. Call the financial aid office of the college(s) you plan to attend to learn about any additional forms they may require. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov, and families are encouraged to use this method of application (step-by-step instructions are provided on the site). Paper copies may
money for college
be available from college financial aid offices or high school guidance counselors. Remember, the first F in FAFSA stands for “free.” Be wary of any organization that requires you to pay to fill out the FAFSA!
Check for scholarships sponsored by local organizations, including 2. your church, parent’s employer, and community groups such as the American Legion, YMCA, 4-H Club, Elks, Masons, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and the Girl or Boy Scouts. Your high school counselor can help you explore scholarship opportunities in your area.
Contact the admissions or financial aid office at the colleges you 3. are interested in attending. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to recognize academic achievement or special talents, such as athletics or performing arts. Much of this information is available on colleges’ websites.
Search the Internet for helpful financial aid information. To start, 4. visit www.OKcollegestart.org, www.ocap.org, www.finaid.org, www.studentaid.ed.gov, www.mappingyourfuture.org, and www.fastweb.com. Avoid online scholarship searches or agencies that charge fees for their services. All the information you need is available free of charge.
It’s best to use savings or free financial aid to pay for college, but 5. that’s not always possible or enough to cover college expenses. You might need to borrow money to pay for your education. But don’t worry – there are many resources to help. The federal government offers inexpensive student loans with flexible repayment terms. Be sure to exhaust all federal loan options before considering “private” or “alternative” loans, which can have higher interest rates and fewer flexible repayment options. For more information, contact the Oklahoma College Assistance Program, an operating division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that provides college access, financial literacy and student loan management programs and services for students and parents, at 800.442.8642 or visit www.ocap.org.
FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
There are numerous state and federal programs to help you pay for college. Many of them are listed on the following pages. For more information, visit www.OKcollegestart.org or call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 or 225.9239 in Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA
TUITION AID GRANT PROGRAM (OTAG)
OTAG is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend approved colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time or part-time undergraduate students.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1218
Application
Application is made through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.gov, through high school guidance counselors or the financial aid office at the college you are planning to attend. For best consideration, you should complete and submit the FAFSA to the federal student aid application system as soon as possible after Jan. 1 of your senior year. IT IS IMPORTANT TO APPLY EARLY. Typically, the OTAG program receives more eligible applications than can be awarded with available funds, and how early a student applies can be the deciding factor in whether that student is offered an OTAG award.
E
ligibility
Financial need is measured by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is determined based on the information the student provides on their FAFSA. The maximum EFC eligible to receive OTAG may vary from year to year based on volume of eligible applications received and available state funding. The EFC appears on the Student Aid Report sent to students by the U.S. Department of Education once their FAFSA has been processed. An award will not be denied for academic reasons as long as the college’s minimum requirements for admission are fulfilled and satisfactory academic progress is made according to the school’s policy for student financial aid recipients.
Awaward Amount
Currently, the maximum annual award is the lesser of 75 percent of enrollment costs or $1,000 for students attending public colleges, universities or career technology centers and $1,300 for students attending eligible private colleges and universities. One-half of the award is disbursed in the fall semester, and one-half is disbursed in the spring semester. Funds are released to eligible students by campus officials after eligibility has been confirmed.
For More Informationnformation
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.otag.org
OKLAHOMA
TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT (OTEG)OTEG is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents enrolled as full-time undergraduates at Oklahoma not-for-profit, private/independent institutions of higher education.
E
ligibility
To be eligible for OTEG award consideration, a student must:
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and • report Oklahoma as his/her state of legal residence.
Be enrolled full-time in the fall and/or spring semesters.•
Have a family income of $50,000 or less.•
Be an Oklahoma resident according to the State Regents’ Policy • on Residence Status of Enrolled Students in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
Meet the institution’s satisfactory academic progress • requirements.
Not have already earned a bachelor’s degree.•
Not have already received OTEG awards for five years.•
Awaward Amount
Participating colleges and universities will each select the students to receive the award at their institution.
Grant amounts are $2,000 per academic year or $1,000 per • academic semester.
Institutions will notify students of their awards.•
F
or More Information
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Program
877.662.6231
225.9456 (Oklahoma City area)
www.OKcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Grants/Grants.aspx
OKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMA
’
S
PROMISEROMISEROMISEROMISEROMISEROMISE (OKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMAOKLAHOMA HIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHER Learning ACCESSESSESS PROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAMROGRAM)
The Oklahoma Legislature created a scholarship program that will help pay for a student’s education if his or her parents’ total yearly income is not more than $50,000 at the time of application and not more than $100,000 at the time the student goes to college. That program is called Oklahoma’s Promise.
H
ow it Works
Student must be an Oklahoma resident and enroll in the program • in eighth, ninth or 10th grade (home-schooled students age 13, 14 or 15). Student starts early so he/she can get ready for college by taking high school courses that will help him/her do well.
Student must take certain courses and pass those courses with • at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. (See below for a full description of required curriculum.)
Student must achieve at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA for all • courses in grades 9-12.
Student must go to class regularly and do his/her homework.•
Student also agrees to stay out of serious trouble and away from • drugs and alcohol.
Student must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United • States to receive the scholarship in college.
Student must meet additional financial, academic and conduct • requirements to keep the scholarship after enrolling in college.
WHAT ARE THETHETHE BENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITSENEFITS?
Once a student has completed the program’s goals and graduated from an Oklahoma high school, Oklahoma’s Promise will help pay the student’s tuition at a public community college or university. It will also cover a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or university or for courses at public technology centers that are approved for credit toward an Associate of Applied Science degree at a public college. The scholarship is good for up to five years or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree, whichever The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1219
comes first. The final amount of the scholarship will vary depending on where the student attends college, the tuition rates in effect at that time and whether he or she attends full-time or less.
H
ow Parents CaCan Help
Parents should encourage the student to do well in his or her courses and to stay out of trouble. When the student signs up for the program, the parents also sign an agreement and promise to help their child successfully reach the goals of the program.
R
equired High School Curriculum for Oklahoma’s Promise Eligibility1
Parents should encourage the student to do well in his or her courses and to stay out of trouble. When the student signs up for the program, the parents also sign an agreement and promise to help their child successfully reach the goals of the program.
4 English (grammar, composition, literature)
3 Lab Science (biology, chemistry, physics or any lab science certified by the school district; general science with or without a lab may not be used to meet this requirement)
3 Mathematics (from Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, calculus, Advanced Placement [AP] statistics)
3 History and Citizenship Skills (including one unit of American history and two units from the subjects of history, government, geography, economics, civics and/or non-Western culture)
2 Foreign or non-English language (two years of the same language) OR Computer Technology (Courses in programming, hardware and business computer applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphics will qualify. Keyboarding or typing classes DO NOT qualify.) (1 foreign language and 1 computer technology course WILL NOT meet this requirement.)
1 Additional course of any of the subjects listed above
1 Fine Arts (music, art, drama) or Speech
17 Total Units
1 Students graduating from a non-accredited high school and home-schooled students must ALSO achieve a composite score of 22 or higher on the ACT test.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma’s Promise
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9152 (Oklahoma City area)
okpromise@osrhe.edu
www.okpromise.org
A
CADEMIC SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Academic Scholars Program was created and funded by the Oklahoma Legislature as an incentive for students of high academic ability to attend both public and private higher education institutions in Oklahoma. The program was created to enhance the academic environment, to retain academically talented students within Oklahoma and to attract others of equal talent to the state.
Application
Applications are available every October and can be obtained by contacting the State Regents’ office. The applicant must qualify prior to college entry.
E
ligibility
Residents of Oklahoma automatically qualify by scoring within the 99.5 to 100.0 percentile levels on the ACT or SAT as administered in the state of Oklahoma. For students entering the program fall 2010, the minimum ACT sum of scores required is 133. The sum of scores required is subject to change each year. Students will need to contact the State Regents’ office to verify the sum of scores required to qualify for the program. The test scores must be from a single national test date. Partial scores from more than one examination will not be considered.
Residents also automatically qualify by achieving one of the following designations: National Merit Scholar, National Merit Finalist or United States Presidential Scholar. Non-residents may qualify for the program by achieving designation as a National Merit Scholar, National Merit Finalist or United States Presidential Scholar. However, out-of-state student participation is limited, and achieving such a designation does not automatically qualify students for the program.
INSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTIONINSTITUTION
AL NOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEENOMINEE
State public colleges and universities may nominate students attending their institutions for the Academic Scholars Program based on criteria established by each individual institution. Nominees will be selected through the normal admission and/or scholarship application at the institution.
Awaward Amount
The amount of the award varies according to the type of institution the student attends and qualifying status. The annual scholarship amount for Automatic Qualifiers is $5,500 for students who attend Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma or The University of Tulsa; $4,000 for students who attend any other Oklahoma four-year public or private college or university; and $3,500 for students who attend Oklahoma community colleges.
The annual scholarship amount for Institutional Nominees is $2,800 for students who attend Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma or The University of Tulsa; $2,000 for students who attend any other Oklahoma four-year public or private college or university; and $1,800 for students who attend Oklahoma community colleges. The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1220
Students who enroll at public universities and colleges are eligible for a tuition waiver in addition to the scholarship award noted above.
The scholarship will be awarded for up to eight semesters of attendance at an Oklahoma institution of higher education in accordance with the continuing eligibility requirements.
C
riteria for Continued Eligibility
Participants awarded a scholarship must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. A program year is defined as beginning in the fall semester and continuing through the summer term. Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Full-time enrollment shall mean a minimum of 12 hours per semester and 24 hours in the two regular semesters.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okhighered.org/academic-scholars
REGIONAL
UNIVERSITY BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship enables 11 participating public universities to provide up to four years of scholarship support to academically promising Oklahoma students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Each participating institution may nominate up to 15 freshman awardees per year.
R
egional Universities
Cameron University, East Central University, Langston University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Rogers State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Application
Application is made directly through the university the student plans to attend. The application deadline will vary for each institution.
E
ligibility
Applicants must be Oklahoma residents.•
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria defined • below:
a. have an ACT composite score of at least 30 and a GPA and class rank which are exceptional, as determined by the institution OR
b. be a National Merit Semifinalist or a National Merit Commended Student as designated by the National Merit Scholarship corporation.
(Only ACT and SAT test scores from tests administered on national test dates will be considered for admission to the program.)
Awaward Amount
The annual award amount is $3,000. Each awardee will also • receive a resident tuition waiver from the institution.
The scholarship is available for up to eight semesters of study • in a baccalaureate program at a regional university or until the student is granted a baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first.
The scholarship award may be used only at the university • making the award; it is not portable.
C
riteria for Continued Eligibility
Participants awarded a scholarship must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. A program year is defined as beginning in the fall semester and continuing through the summer term. Scholarship recipients must maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Full-time enrollment shall mean a minimum of 12 hours per semester and 24 hours in the two regular semesters.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
RO
BERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is federally funded to promote student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued academic excellence and achievement. Students are selected to receive scholarships based on meeting eligibility criteria and completion and evaluation of an application. An equal number of “Byrd Scholars” are selected annually to represent each of Oklahoma’s five congressional districts. This program is administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to compete for the Byrd Scholarship:
Be a U.S. citizen or national or be a permanent resident of the • United States.
Be a legal resident of Oklahoma.•
Be a senior enrolled in full-time coursework leading to high • school graduation.
Have applied to or been accepted for admission as a full-time • student by an institution of higher education.
Be able to meet academic criteria as stated in the scholarship • application (this includes GPA, ACT/SAT, and/or GED scores).
Must not be in default on a previous federal loan, scholarship • or grant.
Must not have been declared ineligible to receive federal • assistance as a condition of sentencing under Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1221
Awaward Amount
“Byrd Scholars” receive $1,500 for the first year of study at an eligible postsecondary institution. Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study provided students continue to meet eligibility standards as defined by the institutions they are attending.
For More Informationnformation
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Professional Services Division
Oliver Hodge Building
2500 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4599
405.521.2808
www.sde.state.ok.us/Finance/Scholarships/Byrd/
FUTURE TEACHERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Future Teachers Scholarship Program was established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as an incentive to encourage the preparation of teachers in critical shortage areas in the public schools of Oklahoma.
C
ritical Teacher Shortage Areas
Science•
English•
Music•
Early Childhood Education•
Foreign Language (Spanish)•
Application
A new application must be submitted each academic year.•
Application deadlines are established by individual institutions. • Completed applications are to be submitted to the nominating institution. The following documentation is required:
a. First-time freshmen must submit a copy of their high school transcript and ACT or SAT score, whichever is applicable.
b. Students who have attended a postsecondary institution must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
c. All students must submit the essay portion of the application on a separate sheet.
Institutions will submit scholarship candidates and alternates in • priority order to the State Regents’ office.
The State Regents’ office will notify institutions of awards.•
ELIGIBILITY
The student must be a resident of Oklahoma.•
The student must be nominated by the college in which they are • enrolled on the basis of one of the following criteria:
a. cumulative high school GPA ranking in the top 15 percent of his or her high school graduating class OR
b. ACT or SAT score ranking in the top 15 percent for high school graduates of the same year OR
c. admission to a professional education program at an accredited Oklahoma institution of higher education OR
d. an undergraduate record of outstanding success, as defined by the institution.
Full-time and part-time students are eligible for the scholarship; • however, highest priority will be given to full-time students.
Scholarship recipients must maintain no less than a 2.5 • cumulative GPA.
Each recipient must agree to teach in a shortage area in • Oklahoma public schools for a minimum of three consecutive years upon graduation and licensure as a teacher.
Recipients may receive the scholarship for not more than four • years, or the equivalent of four years, of full-time study.
Awaward Amount
An award amount for each nominated student will be determined by the college the student attends. The following annual award limits have been set by the State Regents:
HOURS COMPLETED maximum TOWARD annualENROLLMENT BACCALAUREATEALAUREATE AWARARDFull-Time 60 hours and above $1,500Full-Time Less than 60 hours $1,000Part-Time 60 hours and above $750Part-Time Less than 60 hours $500For purposes of this program, full-time enrollment means not less than 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and not less than nine credit hours per semester for graduate students. Part-time enrollment means not less than six credit hours per semester.
FO
r More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
GEORGE
AND DONNA NIGH PUBLILIC SERVISERVISERVISERVISERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established by the 1999 Oklahoma Legislature to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service. A component of the scholarship program is participation in seminars on public service offered by the Nigh Institute. Each college and university may nominate one scholarship recipient per year.
Application
Presidents of Oklahoma colleges and universities will be invited to submit a nominee for consideration of award prior to the beginning of the spring semester. An advisory committee appointed by the Nigh Institute will review and approve the nominations and make announcement of awards.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1222
E
ligibility
Scholarship recipients must be residents of the state of • Oklahoma as determined by the State Regents.
Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time in an • undergraduate program at a public or private college or university in the state of Oklahoma.
Scholarship recipients must be enrolled in a degree program • leading to a career in public service as determined by the institution.
Students receiving the scholarship must demonstrate • exceptional academic achievement as evidenced by a number of factors, which may include GPA, class rank, national awards, scholastic achievement, honors, teachers’ recommendations and the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities.
Amount of Scholarship
The scholarship award amount is $1,000.•
Scholarships will be awarded on a yearly basis and are not • renewable.
Each participating college or university may nominate one • scholarship recipient each year.
F
or More Information
Nigh Institute
Attn: Carl F. Reherman
Kirkpatrick Bank
3001 E. Memorial Road
Edmond, OK 73013
405.818.0414
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
S
CHOLARS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHILD CARE PROGRAM
The Scholars Program awards scholarships to eligible child care professionals to complete coursework in the area of child development or early childhood education. These scholarships enable child care providers in Oklahoma to attend a technology center or community college to improve their skills through education.
Application
Eligible child care providers may apply for the:
Career Technology Center Scholarship Early Education: Pathway • to CDA for coursework offered at area technology centers and online.
Community College Scholarship for coursework in the area of • child development or early childhood education leading toward a CDA Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Mastery*, Director’s Certificate of Completion, and/or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education offered at local community colleges.
Career Technology Center Scholarship applications may be obtained by calling 405.225.9396 or 866.343.3881. Community College Scholarship applications may be obtained through the Scholars Program scholar coordinator at each of the local community colleges in Oklahoma. Scholarship applications can also be obtained by calling 405.225.9395 or 866.343.3881 or visit the website at www.okhighered.org/scholars.
E
ligibility
To qualify for the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program, child care professionals must:
Work in a one-star plus or above OKDHS or tribal-licensed • child care facility with a minimum of 10 percent subsidy children at time of application.
Work as a teacher, family child care provider, or director at • least 30 hours per week earning $15.50 or less per hour.
Be employed at a child care facility at least three months before • beginning coursework or have taken Entry Level Child Care Training (ELCCT).
Note: Due to the availability of education and training funds, employees from federally funded child care programs are not eligible to participate in the scholarship. Additionally, employees from school-age programs are not eligible to participate in the scholarship at this time.
Awaward Amount
Tuition scholarship recipients receive 80 percent of tuition and fees and 100 percent of books (after other financial aid has been applied) for required courses toward Pathway to CDA coursework, a child development associate (CDA) Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director’s Certificate of Mastery,* Director’s Certificate of Completion, and/or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education.
*Offered at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okhighered.org/scholars
H
eroes Promise
House Bill 1343 became effective July 1, 2011, creating a special tuition scholarship for children of Oklahoma military personnel who were killed in action after Jan. 1, 2000.
E
ligibility
The scholarship is available to children of any person killed after Jan. 1, 2000, in the line of duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or who died after Jan. 1, 2000, as a result of an injury sustained while in the line of duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The person who was killed or died must have filed an individual • or joint Oklahoma income tax return for the tax year prior to the year during which the person was killed or died.
The student must be an Oklahoma resident. • The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1223
The student must enroll within the Oklahoma State System of • Higher Education prior to reaching the age of 21.
AWARD AMOUNTMOUNTMOUNTMOUNTMOUNT
Heroes Promise will help pay the student’s tuition at a public community college or university. It will also cover a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or university or for courses at public technology centers that are approved for credit toward an Associate in Applied Science degree at a public college. The scholarship is good for up to five years or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. The final amount of the scholarship will vary depending on where the student attends college, the tuition rates in effect at that time and whether he or she attends full time or less.
F
or More Information
Heroes Promise
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
405.225.9131 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.OKcollegestart.org
TUITION WAWAiVERS
COLLEGE
-AWARDED TUITION WAIVER SCHOLARSHIPS
State Regents’ policy authorizes each institution in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education to provide for tuition waiver scholarships on the basis of financial need, scholastic aptitude and achievement, academic discipline or field of study, student activity participation and academic level. State system institutions are also required to waive resident tuition for individuals who meet specific criteria.
ST
ATETE-AUTHORIUTHORIUTHORIUTHORIUTHORIZEDED TUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITIONTUITION WAIVERSIVERSIVERSIVERSIVERS
In addition to tuition waiver scholarships awarded by Oklahoma public colleges and universities, resident tuition will be waived fully or partially for the following:
Senior citizens who wish to audit courses (includes a waiver of • special fees and activity fees)
POWs, MIAs and their dependents•
Dependents of peace officers and firefighters killed in the line • of duty
Exchange students on a reciprocal basis•
Graduate assistants, either resident or non-resident, with at • least a one-quarter time graduate assistantship
Academic Scholars Program awardees•
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship awardees•
Army or Air National Guard members in good standing•
Independent Living Act – Department of Human Services • dependents who meet specific criteria
Benefits-eligible employees at institutions in the Oklahoma • State System of Higher Education
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
www.OKcollegestart.org
national guard tUITION WAIVERSWAIVERS
The Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver is established as an incentive for qualified men and women to join the Oklahoma National Guard and as a means to retain skilled, productive citizens within the state.
Application
The student is required to submit a Statement of Understanding and Certificate of Basic Eligibility each semester for which he or she is applying for the waiver. The certification form is to be signed by a commander or representative of the Oklahoma National Guard. This signature certifies that the student is in good standing with the National Guard and that the National Guard member agrees to abide by all program rules and procedures. The form is to be forwarded by the student to the institution he or she wishes to attend by the deadline determined by the institution.
E
ligibility
A student who is a member of the Oklahoma National Guard shall be eligible for a full resident tuition waiver, provided the student:
Is a bona fide member of the Oklahoma National Guard at • the beginning of the semester for which he or she is applying for a scholarship or by the scholarship application deadline determined by the institution.
Has been certified as a member in good standing by the adjutant • general.
Is an Oklahoma resident or a non-resident student who is an • active member of the Oklahoma National Guard.
Does not currently hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree.•
Meets all admission and retention requirements of the • institution.
E
nrollment Requirements
A student meeting all of the program eligibility requirements will be awarded a full resident tuition waiver, provided the student:
Is enrolled in a program of study leading to an associate degree • or a baccalaureate degree.
Is enrolled in a minimum of three hours per term.•
Has submitted a plan for the completion of his or her degree with • the Oklahoma National Guard. Waivers will not be awarded for courses leading to a certificate, continuing education courses or career technology courses that are not counted toward a degree program at another institution. Concurrently enrolled high school students are not eligible for this tuition waiver. The tuition waiver is not applicable to professional programs that do not require an earned degree.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1224
Awaward Amount
A resident tuition waiver covers the cost of resident tuition for all courses for which resident tuition is charged. A non-resident student waiver will cover the non-resident portion only of the tuition charged by Oklahoma public college and universities. The student is responsible for all other fees, such as special course fees, student activity and facility fees, and assessment fees.
A student may receive a waiver for a maximum of 18 semester credit hours each semester, for up to six years from the date of first application.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma National Guard
800.GO.GUARD
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
INDE
PENDENT LIVING ACT (FOSTER CARE TUITION WAIVERWAIVER)
The Independent Living Act was established by the 2000 Oklahoma Legislature to ensure that eligible individuals who have been or are in the foster care program of the Department of Human Services receive services that include housing, medical coverage and education. The first recipients of the tuition waivers were 1999-2000 high school graduates.
E
ligibility
Student must have graduated within the previous three years • from a high school accredited by the State Board of Education, the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics or a high school bordering Oklahoma as approved by the State Board of Education OR the student must have completed the General Educational Development (GED) requirements.
Tuition waivers are available to students up to 21 years of • age who have been in DHS custody for at least nine months between the ages of 16 and 18.
Student must be enrolled in a public college or university or • certain programs at technology centers.
Tuition waivers will be made available to eligible students up to • 26 years of age or upon completion of a baccalaureate degree or program certificate, whichever comes first.
Awaward Amount
A resident tuition waiver covers the cost of resident tuition for all courses for which resident tuition is charged. The student is responsible for all other fees, such as special course fees, student activity and facility fees and assessment fees.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
800.858.1840
225.9239 (Oklahoma City area)
studentinfo@osrhe.edu
www.okcollegestart.org/Financial_Aid/Types_of_Aid/Scholarships/State_Scholarship_Programs/_default.aspx
TEACHER SHORTAGE EMPLOYMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TSEIP)
Students must fill out a Participation Agreement Form available through their college or university education department or by calling the State Regents’ Minority Teacher Recruitment Center at 800.858.1840. (Students may sign up as early as their freshman year but should note that teacher employment must be achieved within 16 months of graduating from a four-year institution.)
The participation form must be completed and signed before graduation and submitted to the college or university TSEIP coordinator no later than the date of the student’s graduation from a four-year institution in Oklahoma.
The State Regents’ office will notify applicants of application receipt, educational loan obligations and any qualifying disbursement benefit opportunities through TSEIP.
SPECIAL NOTE: Participants cannot be certified to teach math or science prior to signing the Participation Agreement Form. Applicants must enroll no later than the date of their graduation to be eligible.
E
ligibility
Individuals must declare an intention to teach in Oklahoma • and graduate from an Oklahoma-accredited teacher education program.
Individuals must complete the TSEIP Participation Agreement • no later than the date of their graduation. The agreement form can be obtained from the TSEIP coordinator at each postsecondary institution.
Individuals must maintain satisfactory progress in an academic • program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree in math or science education.
Individuals must complete an approved program of professional • teacher education that includes a student teaching requirement that leads to a certificate to teach math or science at the secondary level.
Alternative or emergency certificates will not qualify.•
Individuals must be employed to teach either science or math in • a secondary classroom at least 75 percent of the time within 16 months of graduating from an accredited university.
Individuals must complete the first full year of eligible full-• time teaching service by 25 months from their graduation date from a four-year college or university.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1225
Photo courtesy of Rose State College.
Awaward Amount
The annual award is based on a formula not to exceed three times the average annual cost of undergraduate resident tuition and fees at institutions that offer teacher education. The amount for the 2008-09 award was $13,602. Students who participate in TSEIP but do not have outstanding loan obligations will receive a cash payment after five years of teaching.
E
ligible Student Loan Programs for TSEITSEITSEIP Reimbursement
Stafford Student Loans/Guaranteed Student Loans•
Perkins/National Direct Student Loans•
Loans made pursuant to the federal Supplemental Loans for • Students program including CLAS
Consolidation Loan Program loans•
Privately funded educational loans issued to students through • colleges or universities
NOTE: Parent Loans for Students (PLUS) are not eligible.
F
or More Information
Contact the education department at your college or university, call the State Regents’ Minority Teacher Recruitment Center at 800.858.1840 or visit the website at www.cashforteachingok.org.
SRE
B ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is an arrangement among Southern states allowing Oklahoma students to pay in-state tuition rates at out-of-state colleges or universities while studying in select programs not available at Oklahoma public institutions. The tuition savings to Oklahoma residents who participate in the ACM, as compared to those who enroll as out-of-state students, vary by institution.
Application
Contact the out-of-state college or university for information concerning admission into programs accessible via the ACM. The number of programs offered through the ACM is frequently updated, so visit the ACM list at http://home.sreb.org/acm/choosestate.aspx for the most recent list of accessible programs. Once you have been unconditionally accepted into one of these programs, complete and submit an ACM Application and Residency Certification Form to the address below, along with a copy of your letter of acceptance/admission into the program. The form can be obtained from the ACM state coordinator for Oklahoma or at www.okhighered.org/acm.
If the program is offered in the ACM inventory, and it is determined that you are a resident of Oklahoma, a letter of certification will be sent to you and a copy provided to the appropriate official at the institution. This will qualify you for a waiver of out-of-state fees.
If there is interest in a program that is not on the current list of available programs, a request may be made that the program be reviewed for possible inclusion. In order to do so, the following must be submitted: a copy of the letter of acceptance into the specific program; the completed Application and Residency Certification Form; and curricular information about the program, including course descriptions and credit hour requirements.
E
ligibility
An individual must demonstrate residence in Oklahoma.•
Students must be accepted into a program of study not offered • at an Oklahoma public college or university and listed in the ACM inventory for Oklahoma residents. ACM guidelines stipulate that only those programs that differ in curricular content by at least 50 percent from programs offered in the state may be included.
Students who still have outstanding “provisions” or conditions • to fulfill their admissions requirements must complete their obligations and provide evidence of full admission before applying for ACM.
Applicants must complete and submit the ACM Application • and Residency Certification Form.
Institutions set policy regarding any institutionally imposed • deadline for the payment of tuition. ACM students not accepted or certified within the deadline for payment may have to wait until the next tuition payment period to receive the out-of-state fee waiver or in-state status. Although Oklahoma accepts ACM applications year-round, you should apply at least two months before institutional deadlines to allow for processing time.
F
or More Information
Debbie Blanke
State Coordinator, Academic Common Market Program
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850
405.225.9170
www.okhighered.org/acmThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1226
S
TAFFORD LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS
The Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers is intended to encourage individuals to enter the teaching profession and serve in designated low-income communities. Under this program, the Department of Education repays all or a portion of a borrower’s Stafford Loan obligations. To be eligible for this forgiveness program, a borrower must be a “new borrower” on or after Oct. 1, 1998, and must teach for five consecutive complete years and meet other requirements. For a complete list of eligibility criteria, borrowers may contact their loan holder or guarantor. For more information, visit www.ocap.org or www.studentaid.ed.gov or call 800.4.FED.AID.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
To apply for federal financial aid (grants, work-study and loans), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after Jan. 1 during your senior year of high school and each year you need aid for college. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov, and families are encouraged to use this method of application (step-by-step instructions are provided on the site). Paper copies may be available from college financial aid offices or high school guidance counselors. Additional information is available at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL PELLELL GRANTNT
The Pell Grant is a need-based grant to help undergraduates pay for their education after high school. The award does not have to be repaid. An undergraduate is a student who has not earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The maximum annual award for the 2011-12 academic year is $5,550, but awards can be less depending on the student’s actual financial need.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL SUSUPPLEMENTLEMENTLEMENTLEMENTLEMENTAL EDUCEDUCEDUCATIONTIONTIONTIONAL OPPORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITYORTUNITY GRANTSNTSNTS (FSEOGFSEOGFSEOGFSEOGFSEOG)
The FSEOG is an assistance program administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school (a campus-based program). The FSEOG is gift aid for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFC) will receive priority. The award amount can be between $100 and $4,000 per year.
TETE
A
CHERCHERCHERCHER
EDUCEDUCEDUCEDUC
A
TIONTIONTIONTION
ASSISTSSISTSSISTSSISTSSISTANCENCENCE FORFORFOR COLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGECOLLEGE ANDND HIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHERHIGHER EDUCEDUCEDUCATIONTIONTIONTION (TETEACHCH) GRANTNT
The TEACH Grant is authorized in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. It provides grants of $16,000 (up to $4,000 per year) to undergraduate students and $8,000 for graduate students at participating institutions who agree to teach in hard-to-staff fields in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL WORKORK-STUDYSTUDYSTUDYSTUDY
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service employment and work related to the recipient’s course of study. Payment is made by the hour for undergraduates. Graduates can be paid hourly or receive a salary. All students must be paid at least the federal minimum wage.
FEDERFEDERFEDERFEDERFEDER
AL PERKINSERKINSERKINSERKINSERKINS LOLOANSNS
Perkins Loans are low-interest (5 percent) loans for undergraduate, graduate and professional students with financial need. These loans are offered through a participating school’s financial aid office, and the school acts as the lender. Up to $5,550 may be borrowed for each year of undergraduate study, while up to $8,000 may be borrowed for each year of graduate or professional study.
DIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECT
SUSUBSIDISIDISIDISIDIZEDED LOLOANSNS
Direct Subsidized Loans are low-interest, need-based loans made to undergraduate, graduate and professional students attending school at least half-time. Interest is paid by the federal government while the borrower is attending school, during the six-month grace period and during specific loan deferment periods. Repayment begins six months following a borrower’s graduation or when the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
DIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECT
UNSUUNSUUNSUUNSUBSIDISIDISIDISIDIZEDED LOLOANSNS
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are low-interest, non-need-based loans made to undergraduate, graduate and professional students attending school at least half-time. Borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on unsubsidized loans from the date the loan is disbursed, including the time that the borrower attends school, during the grace period and during periods of deferment. Repayment begins six months following the borrower’s graduation or when the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Photo courtesy of Eastern Oklahoma State College.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1227
DIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECTDIRECT
PLUSLUSLUS LOLOANSNS
Direct PLUS Loans are made to parents of dependent undergraduate students and to graduate or professional students. These loans are not based on financial need. The amount that can be borrowed depends on the school’s cost of attendance and any other financial aid that the student may receive, including other loans. Applicants with unfavorable credit histories are usually not eligible for a PLUS loan. Borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on PLUS loans from the date the loan is disbursed, including the time the borrower or student attends school, during the grace period and during periods of deferment. Repayment varies depending on the type of PLUS loan awarded and the loan’s disbursement date.
OKLAHOMA
COLLEGE SAVINGSSAVINGS PLAN
The Oklahoma College Savings Plan provides families with a smart, flexible way to save for their children’s future. The plan offers a choice of investment options, tax advantages and the flexibility of using the savings at any qualified higher education institution both in the United States and abroad.
Advantages of Using the Oklahoma College SaSavings Plan to SaSave for College
Easy to Enroll – New accounts can now be opened online at www.ok4saving.org. Account owners can also make additional contributions or view their account balances online.
Flexibility in Using the Funds – Whether the child decides to go to a private or public college or university, graduate school or any qualified postsecondary institution, funds in the account may be used at any eligible educational institution in the nation and abroad. The savings may be applied toward tuition as well as related expenses, such as books, supplies, required fees, and certain room and board costs.
Choice in Investments – The Oklahoma College Savings Plan offers nine investment choices: a Moderate Managed Allocation; Conservative Managed Allocation; Aggressive Managed Allocation; Guaranteed Option; U.S. Equity Index Option; Diversified Equity Option; Fixed Income Option; Global Equity Option and a Balanced Option. These choices vary in their investment strategy and degree of risk, allowing participants to select the option or options that best fit their needs and investment philosophy. A full description of these investment options is provided in the Program Disclosure Booklet available from the Oklahoma College Savings Plan.
No Income Limits – Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends at any income level may open an account and contribute to the plan on behalf of a beneficiary.
Tax Advantages – The amount a person contributes can be deducted from their Oklahoma taxable income up to a maximum of $10,000 for single filers or $20,000 married couples filing jointly. Contributions will grow free from federal and state income taxes, leaving more money than a similar taxable account. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses will also be free from federal and state income taxes.
Low Minimum Contribution – An account may be opened with a $100 check or money order, electronic funds transfer or automatic contribution plan. Contributions as small as $15 per investment option per pay period can be made using payroll deduction through participating employers. Each account can have only one account owner and one beneficiary. However, separate accounts can be opened for as many different beneficiaries as the participant may wish.
Contribution Limit – There is no annual limit on the amount that may be contributed to an account. However, a lifetime limit applies. In general, a participant may contribute to an account if at the time of the contribution the total balance of all accounts for the beneficiary does not exceed $300,000. The account may continue to grow beyond this limit based on the performance of the investment option(s) that have been selected.
Transferability – If the child or beneficiary decides not to attend a postsecondary institution, the account owner can transfer funds in the account to another eligible beneficiary. To avoid penalty and income tax, the new beneficiary must be a member of the family of the original beneficiary, including siblings, a spouse, first cousins, etc. (as described in the Program Disclosure Booklet).
Professional Money Management – The Oklahoma College Savings Plan is administered by a board of trustees chaired by the state treasurer of Oklahoma. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. (TFI) serves as program manager of the Oklahoma College Savings Plan. TFI, an SEC-registered investment advisor, manages the plan’s investments and provides investment advisory services. TFI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA), an insurance company headquartered in New York. TIAA and its companion organization CREF form a nationally recognized financial services organization with more than $380 billion in assets under management.
Low Cost – An annual asset-based management fee will be paid to TFI to cover the cost of investment management and administrative services. For the Managed Allocation Option and the 100% Equity Option this fee will not exceed 0.65 percent of the average daily net assets so invested, plus the specific investment management fees for the underlying mutual funds as disclosed in the Mutual Funds prospectus. For the Guaranteed Option, TFI will be paid a separate expense fee.
F
or More Information
Oklahoma College Savings Plan
877.OK4SAVING (877.654.7284)
www.ok4saving.orgThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1228
I
s There an Income Limit?
Single tax filers with up to $80,000 of adjusted gross income (AGI) and joint tax filers with up to $160,000 of AGI qualify for the full credit. The tax credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels.
F
or More Information
IRS Help Line
800.829.1040
IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education
www.irs.gov or consult your tax adviser
For More Information
Call the Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 (225.9239 in Oklahoma City), email studentinfo@osrhe.edu or visit the website
www.OKcollegestart.org.
Photo courtesy of
Northern Oklahoma College.
FEDERAL HOPE (AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY)
AND
LIFETIME LEARNING TAX CREDITS
If you’re paying for your or your dependent’s college education, there are two tax credits available for you – Hope (American Opportunity) and Lifetime Learning. For tax years 2009 and 2010, the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act replaced the Hope Credit with the American Opportunity Credit.
What’s a TaTax Credit?
A tax credit is better than a deduction. A credit is subtracted directly from your federal income tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This saves you more money than a deduction, which you subtract from your income before you calculate your tax and which yields much less than dollar-for-dollar savings.
Who Gets to Claim the Credit?
If someone claims the student as a dependent for tax purposes, that person, not the student, may receive the tax credit, even if the student files a tax return. Otherwise, only the student may receive the credit.
What’s the Difference Between the Credits?
During 2009 and 2010, the American Opportunity Credit can be claimed for each of the first four years of college or career technology school for classes that lead to a degree or recognized certificate. The student must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for the American Opportunity Credit. The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for any postsecondary education, including graduate and professional school, and unlike the American Opportunity Credit, there is no minimum enrollment. If you qualify for both credits, it will usually be to your advantage to claim the American Opportunity Credit.
What College Costs Qualify?
Qualified expenses include tuition and required fees, minus any grants and scholarships that are received tax-free. Expenses for books and supplies are not included unless they must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment. The costs of room and board, insurance, transportation and medical fees (including health fees) are not qualified expenses, even if required for enrollment.
What’s the American OppOppOpportunity TaTax Credit Worth?
The amount of the credit equals 100 percent of the first $2,000 of qualified expenses plus 25 percent of the second $2,000, for a maximum of $2,500.
What’s the Lifetime Learning Credit Worth?
Beginning in 2003, the credit equals 20 percent of the first $10,000 of qualified expenses, for a maximum of $2,000. Unlike the American Opportunity Credit, this will not be adjusted for inflation.The Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-12
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Why Study in Oklahoma...................................29
Admission Requirements....................................29
English Language Requirements..........................29
Accreditation...................................................29
Housing Information..........................................29
International Student Services.............................29
Costs..............................................................30
Oklahoma Weather..........................................30
Transportation..................................................30
Map of the Contiguous United States..................30
Oklahoma History............................................31
Oklahoma Culture............................................31
Student Populations...........................................32
COUNSELORINFO@OSRHE.EDU
College questions answered promptly
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSThe Counselors’ Resource Book to Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities 2011-1229
Oklahoma extends a special invitation to international students to pursue higher education in our state. Oklahomans are friendly and always ready to welcome people from all over the world.
Wherever you call home, you’ll most certainly find Oklahomans with similar backgrounds and connections. From thriving and prosperous communities of Asian origin throughout Oklahoma, to the descendents of immigrants from eastern and western Europe, Africa, and Latin America, there are many cultures found in every area of Oklahoma.
WHY
STUDY IN OKLAHOMA?
There are many good reasons to choose a school in Oklahoma for your college, university or language study.
Oklahoma has 39 accredited public and independent colleges • and universities. A map of institutions in the state is located on page 1 of this guide.
Oklahoma has 11 approved intensive English language • programs.
Higher education in Oklahoma is affordable. Comparing tuition • costs with similar institutions in other regions of the United States, Oklahoma higher education is a great educational value. Students from moderate-income families are particularly pleased with Oklahoma institutions’ tuition and fee schedules.
The cost-of-living index in Oklahoma is extremely favorable. • Your money goes further because food prices, housing/rental costs, gas/petrol prices, etc. are among the lowest in the nation. Oklahoma provides safe campuses and communities, with crime rates generally lower than other regions.
Oklahoma is the center, the heartland, of our country – offering • a genuine American experience to international students – and is perfectly located for travel, both arriving in the United States and visiting the rest of our country. A map of the United States is available at the end of this section. Oklahoma is culturally diverse with representatives from all major ethnic groups among our citizens. Oklahoma also has a large Native American population and wide access to Native American culture, art, pow-wows and festivals. For more information on Oklahoma, visit www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
For information on admission standards to Oklahoma public institutions, refer to the academic information section of this guide. For information on admission standards for Oklahoma independent institutions, contact the institution(s) directly.
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The State Regents require a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score for admission to a State System institution. Those not meeting these standards must have a minimum score on TOEFL or IELTS and must successfully complete a minimum of 12 weeks of study at an approved intensive English program (IEP). The requirements are as follows:
1. Undergraduate (minimum scores): 500 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 61 on Internet-based TOEFL or 6.0 or higher on IELTS OR 460 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 48 Internet-based TOEFL or 5.0 or higher on IELTS AND completion of 12 weeks of intensive English study.
2. Graduate (minimum scores): 550 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 79 on Internet-based TOEFL or 6.5 on IELTS OR 500 or higher on paper-based TOEFL or 61 on Internet-based TOEFL or 5.5 or higher on IELTS AND completion of 12 weeks of intensive English study
These are minimum standards for public institutions. Some institutions have higher standards. See the institution profiles in this g